Hi we are new here and need some help!? (10.5 y/o english bull terrier)

[bullysmum]

hi all
have been searching for cushings site all day and finally found you
i am michelle, my male english bull terrier is 10.5 years called bully and after 10 months of testing etc he was finally diagnosed with cushings 27th december
he started out drinking/eating loads pot bellied and mentioned to the vet who did some tests - he said it might be cushings but until certain levels went above what they should he said we should just keep check on bully
bully is like a bull in china shop, big, boisterous, loves snacks, walks (not too long these days) and loving and complete clown
xmas day he didnt follow me around the kitchen as usual, xmas day early evening not himself, lying other end of the kitchen, thought maybe too much turkey !! boxing day still not his normal self, shivering, shaking, sitting out in the garden in the rain (he doesnt like rain) wouldnt come in - rang emergency vets - took him there and left overnight - collected late afternoon 27th december and yes cushings has arrived in force...now on vetoryl and back in 8 days....bill £545 am insured so will be able to claim it back
the drinking/eating not too bad last few days but he is acting very strange: wants to be in the garden all day, jumping up at the backdoor to get out (never jumps just stamps his big paw on it) will not settle, out in garden today in mud, then got in vegatable planter - covered in dry peat - brought him in and wants to go out again !
eventually settles in the evenings.
are these sort of "different change of habit" things normal? why? not understanding at all.....can they become aggressive? have 5 yr old twins and dont want them worrying bully in case he gets moody....he has never ever looked at them in the wrong way, but would be worried if he did as he is big lump
sorry i have rambled on so long - please reassure me that he is going thru "normal" cushing symptoms...
at the moment he is on old quilt in front room snoring and obviously dreaming
thanks all michelle uk xx

[mytil]

Hi Michelle,

Welcome, and I am sorry you and Bully are having these troubles.

Firstly, let us know what tests your vet performed to diagnose Cushing's as there are several other conditions that mimic the initial symptoms you mentioned (pot belly, drinking loads of water and peeing a lot and increased appetite) - these are diabetes and thyroid conditions. What levels was your vet referring to that went above what they should be?

I am a bit perplexed as to the new symptoms you mentioned as they are not typical for Cushing's at the onset. Cushing's is a slow progressing disease and I would be concerned about the shaking/shivering and being disoriented.

What did the ER vet mention? - electrolyte imbalance, low blood sugar maybe?

Did the emergency vets give you any results of any tests performed on him - blood panel for instance. If so post these here as soon as you can.

Regarding aggression, I am only aware (meaning direct experience) is that thyroid problems can cause a change in behavior moving towards aggression.

How much does your boy weigh and how much Vetoryl are you giving and the frequency (daily, dose split into twice daily etc)?

Sorry for all the questions, but this will give a better idea of what is happening internally.

Terry

[Lauren]

Hi Michelle, and welcome. I too am new to this amazing site. My boy Cooper was just diagnosed in Dec. All symptoms point to Cushings, except in my case, the aggression. My Cooper has become more attached to me it seems and more loving. Yes, he has always been a sweet boy, but lately, even more so. So I'm not sure the aggression is a symptom. Others who are more knowledgeable can maybe better assist you. I am here if you need to vent, this is the place to help you dry your tear and get answers to even the silliest of questions. It has helped me soo much! Lauren

[milosmom]

hey there michelle !!! i will also agree with lauren that you have come to the right place for support,love and understanding about cushings and gain knowledge.will be warching bullys' story.patty (milo) meka

[lulusmom]

Hi and welcome to you and Bully.

I'm sorry for the circumstances that brought you here but I'm glad you found us.

I would like to echo Terry and ask that you round up copies of testing that was done to diagnose Bully and post those results here. I too am perplexed by Bully's behavior. Cushing's can cause behavioral changes like a dog becoming detached from the family, lethargic, no interest in things they used to like. Bully's odd behavior is not what you would expect from a dog with cushing's. Cushing's does not hit full force but rather builds slowly, with common symptoms like excessive drinking, peeing and appetite increasing slowly over time to a point where they are difficult for both the pet owner and dog to live with.

While weird behavior is not an indicator of progression of the disease, it can be sign of an enlarging macro tumor. Treatment with Vetoryl can facilitate growth of a pituitary tumor, causing changes in behavior; however, it appears that Bully started acting odd before you started treatment, right? Nevertheless, an expanding brain tumor can cause the shaking, shivering and weird behavioral changes you are seeing. Did your vet diagnose pituitary or adrenal dependent disease? Have you observed the shaking and shivering and behavior getting worse since starting treatment?

I'm sorry for all the questions but the more information you can provide, the more meaningful feedback we can provide.

Glynda