Question

[Mel-Tia]

Hi there

I just wondered if any of you knew of any previous or current research into the cause of cushings?

It seems to me that there are a lot cush pups out there and I wondered if anyone was looking into the cause

Thanks

Mel and Tia xx

[scoora]

I wonder that myself. I would like to know, also.

[NoonelovesmelikeNorman]

I beleive it is an overlaod of stress...but I don't know that for sure...
I too would like to know???

Norman went through a major change - losing his papa and sister (lab) with the break-up/move and he took a tumble down a flight of stairs :(that same month - within a month he was showing signs.

Great question Mel!

Thank you!

Peace and love, Sharon and Norman

[goldengirl88]

Mel:
I was trying to get something started on this with all the forum, to see if we could get some research started on this. I asked the members several times but got no replies.

[lulusmom]

What causes canine cushing's is one of life's mysteries. If anybody knows the cause, they've done a good job keeping it under wraps. Based on what we see here, I'd say genetics do play a part in it as specific breeds are definitely over represented. Cushing's in human is often hereditary but that doesn't seem to be primary cause with dogs. What makes some dogs get that little lesion on the pituitary gland or the mass on the adrenal gland which eventually makes those two organs stop talking to each other? I have no idea but I believe there is definitely an increase in the amount of dogs being diagnosed. I personally think our dogs are just like people and their immune system is being challenged more and more by the toxic environment we live in, compounded by over breeding, bad breeding, over vaccinating and crappy diet.

Glynda

[Roxee's Dad]

I try to think back to the days long before our Roxee was dx'd. I cannot think of anything, other than possible food related additives that may have caused her PDH. She was always a happy girl, very athletic, always wanting to run, play and swim.

She had regular vet visit's. Then one day, because of her appetite, we took her to the vet for a check up... BAM !!! There it was.. a Cushing DX.

Just a personal opinion and not one backed up by any facts or studies that I could ever find and back before it was fashionable or we were really conscious of dog food quality, like many diseases, syndromes and problems with health, I believe many are caused by food additives of one kind or another and or the many pesticides that have been since been banned but still remain in our ground water and food supply.

[Mel-Tia]

We're all your dogs intact?

We got Tia done after her first season so she was around 1

[Mel-Tia]

Tia's first vet stopped practicing and went back to researching genetic conditions in pure bred dogs ( I looked him up as an option for princess when we were searching for ideas to help her)

I was floating the idea of speaking to him to see if he would be interested in doing something on cushings. He was such a great vet he sent Tara to the bridge and he did perform Tia's spaying.

Before I did get in touch with him, I wanted to know if you guys would be open to sharing your Cush pups data to get him started as there would be a fair few dogs histories on this forum

Let me know your thoughts

Mel and Tia xx

[Roxee's Dad]

I am open to sharing any data I may have... I still have all of Roxee's vet paperwork and records, a 14 year collection.

and to answer your question. Roxee was spayed at 4 years old.

[lulusmom]

I'll be happy to provide whatever information I can about my three cases of cushing's.

[Harley PoMMom]

I am happy, also, to share any data about Harley.

[Squirt's Mom]

Squirt's story is not typical but I am happy to share as well.

[molly muffin]

I don't have a confirmed diagnosis yet but I'd share anything I have

Sharlene

[mytil]

Good idea Mel! It has been so long since my Mytilda passed the information I have is sooo outdated, but am willing to share as well.

Over the years we have all tried to determine the cause of Cushing's and I have even looked at human studies as well to try to crack this, but to no avail.

This should be very interesting. :)
Terry

[Mel-Tia]

I know there could be some challenges such as funding but am sure between all of us we could come up with some ideas

I want to leave this up for a few more days to see how many people would be willing to share their info before I approach him

Even if it goes no where I want to try.

Mel and Tia xxx

[addy]

Count us in:)

[Squirt's Mom]

There is ongoing research at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville (UTK) but I don't think they are focusing on the causes but rather on the role intermediates play in Cushing's but if this vet has talked with them, it sure wouldn't hurt to contact UTK. ;) UC-Davis, University of California - Davis, does some endocrine research as well but I'm not sure how much of that is for Cushing's VS diabetes, thyroid issues, and so on, but again wouldn't hurt to contact them. And my feeble memory is trying to tell me there is another university in the Northern US that is also doing some Cushing's research - Uni of Michigan maybe?

[goldengirl88]

Mel;
Hope this finds your broken heart mending. I wanted to add into the mix here, and say that a lot of the dogs I know about have been on steroids at some time either for allergies or other problems. I know Tipper's prednisone use predisposed her to Cushings. I have also been noticing a tremendous amount of Terriers. Like it runs very high with that breed??? I was told once by a Vet that Terriers should never have a Leptosporosis vaccine. Tipper had it one time and it almost killed her. Don't know why this happens. Another Vet told me that this is especially true with the German breeds. Was told this long ago and stupid me never really asked more questions on it. So I do agree with Glynda in so much as the vaccines and food they are fed today. No more vaccines for my Tipper. God Bless you, and I think of your sweet baby often and feel your pain.

[scoora]

Count me in if I can be of any help.

[Simba's Mom]

Count me in too...

[frijole]

I am all in

[Trish]

I would be in, but even though this is a cushings website my boy does not have cushings! Just an adrenal tumour... good luck with this, its a great idea :D
Trish xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Bo's Mom]

I am in...and will provide any paper work that we have from all vets who treated my Angel Bo.

[NoonelovesmelikeNorman]

Norman and I are in as well...Just let us know what you need and where to send it. I have most of his records.