Carly and Cushings-sweet Carly crossed Rainbow Bridge

[Mrsbiggsy]

My sweet Carly Simon was diagnosed with Cushing's a year ago. She is a rescue dog, Dalmation/Terrier mix, about 14+ years old. I have had her 13 years. My veterinarian gave me a probiotic which helped with a intestinal infection, but she has not been on that for a while. In the last few months she has developed lots of warts. I know she is getting weak and that the disease causes skeletal muscle weakness, but the warts are getting very large. The vet says it is old age, but I thought I read where it is part of the Cushing's. Any help out there?

[mytil]

Hi to you and Carly and welcome to our site.

Firstly, is Carly on any treatment or meds for Cushing's. If so what is it and how much are you giving?

Also, how was Cushing's diagnosed - what tests were performed (post the results here) and what symptoms did Carly have you saw that prompted testing for Cushing's?

Sorry for all the questions but the more we know the better we can help.

Regarding the warts, are you able to post a photo so we can see them?

Terry

[NoonelovesmelikeNorman]

Welcome to you and Carly! I am too new to answer your questions but you have found a wonderful forum to help answer you questions and encourage you through this journey.

Peace, Sharon, Norman (cushings Doxie) and Millie (mini yorkie-pooh)

[Mrsbiggsy]

Carly is not taking any medication. She was diagnosed after several blood tests. The most common symptom, thirst and urinating, she doesn't have, which made it difficult for my Veterinarian to diagnose. She sleeps a lot, 10-12 hours straight. Sometimes I shake her to try to wake her up, but she doesn't move. Being on a forum is new to me, so I am not sure how to post a picture of the warts. They are mostly pink, around her head and on her legs and feet. She breathes heavy and snores. She has the pot belly and loves to eat. She has become very picky with treats and will not even try anything hard.
I will try to work on familiarizing myself with this forum format, and in the meantime blessings to you all for your reply.

[mytil]

Hi again,

To post a photo you will start an album - take a look at this link - http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/faq.php?faq=vb3_user_profile#faq_vb3_albums. Any troubles, let me know.

Also if you can post the actual numeric results of these blood tests. She could be sleeping a lot simply because of her age too.

Did your vet discuss with you the options of treatment after he/she gave you the diagnosis a year ago?

Now, being picky with treats (and not wanting anything hard to eat) has me thinking there is something else going on.

When were her teeth checked last? If you can have your vet check out her teeth (could be an infection from a cracked tooth or decay).

Terry

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome to you and Carly Simon I love her name!
I agree with Terry about the teeth could be an issue. Not eating and being picky is pretty far away from the ravenous dogs we often see with cushings. Also has her thyroid or diabetes been checked for?
Is she scratching at the "warts"?

I know we ask a lot of questions but that is so we can give you better replies.

Again welcome to the forum. You'll get the hang of it in no time. :)

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Mrsbiggsy]

Thanks you for responding. When I took Carly in to get a dental they noticed the high liver enzymes which started the ball rolling with her Cushing's tests and diagnosis. She has good teeth, just some picky eating when it comes to treats I guess. There is a benign tumor on her gums but the vet doesn't think she can take being put under to remove it. In the last year she has had only one seizure. Sometimes during our short walks she will drag her back leg and she can't take the step with her back legs. I lift her backside. She HATES her pain meds. I have tried giving her the tramadyl with butter, peanut butter, hidden in a treat, you name it. She coughs it up, shakes her head and sends it flying. I was really wondering if the skin warts were part of this. I was able to put a picture in an album. L&K

[molly muffin]

We do see skin issues sometimes with cushings dogs. Does she scratch at them at all? It looks like the hair around them is gone, is that right? We also see a loss of muscle mass in the hind legs with cushings. This may or may or may not get better with treatment for cushings. Unfortunately with both the muscle weakness and if it is a skin issue from the cushings, the only option to help that is treatment. However, the not eating and being picky is the opposite of what cushings dogs normal do. Has there been a senior blood panel lately to check out her values?

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Simba's Mom]

Welcome to the family, settle in and get some info and lots of encouragement, we are here for you.

[Mrsbiggsy]

Well, tonight is one of those bad nights. Carly is up and down, in and out. I know she is in distress, I just don't know how to help. Just keep loving on her I guess. When she takes a drink, which is a very big drink, she will walk around in circles and whine. I rub her chest and neck until she belches. It helps, but I wonder if any one else has that experience. Her water bowl is on a table, so she doesn't have to bend down when she drinks or eats. Better go, she needs me. Bless you all for your encouragement.

[kaibosmom]

Welcome and good luck tonight. Hugs to you and Carly.

[molly muffin]

I haven't had that issue. Maybe she over drinks and then that causes her to feel ucky until she can belch, she probably gulps some air in when she drinks like that.
Hope she can settle down and you both have a restful night.

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Simba's Mom]

When my Simba has tummy problems, I make him an egg, seems to settle his for some reason..hope you little fur baby and you get some rest...