Lab Mix 9yrs old/Symptoms

[chigg]

Hi, Just want to list Starsky's symptoms and give some background.

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About 1 1/2 yrs ago I asked a vet to check for Cushings, they said they did not believe that was his problem and did a urinalysis, treated him for a urinary infection. This dog had always had smooth hair coat and built solid like a lab.
His ribcage appeared broad and he got narrow thru the flank area. Hair beginning on shoulder area got bristly and that has slowly spread over whole body. Ravenous appetite and thirst. Incontinence/licking hair from feet and lower legs/skin has darkened and he developed little bumps all over. His head has become skeletal.
We have not had him back to a vet. Have always tried to keep our pets comfortable with natural treatments if possible. He was started on a bladder support for Sr. dogs and that has helped the incontinence, started him on Cushex drops about
five months ago and supplement for coat. By brushing daily with a topical DERMx , his skin bumps have disappeared. He is an outdoor dog and still follows my husband around( we live on 2 ac). Wags his tail seems happy. They have an air-conditioned garage to sleep and eat in.
We are in our 70's and limited income. But our pets are taken care of and kept comfortable I have raised dogs since the 60's but this is my first exp. with Cushings. Since his full brother is showing signs of age and other issues, I feel that we may not have them a lot longer. I also have them on a Sr vitamin with glucosomine.
Any advice or suggestions?

[goldengirl88]

Hello:
Welcome to the group. Sorry you are having issues with your baby. I just wanted to say , don't hold out too much hope for the Cushex as it does not work. They need to stop giving people false hope, and quit selling the stuff. After you get your dog tested the maintenance is not too costly. Can you find a Labrador group that may be willing to help a senior on a fixed income to afford care.??Wishing you good luck. Blessings
Patti

[Budsters Mom]

Hello and welcome to from me too :)
You have come to the right place! There are many K9Cushing's angels standing by to help and stay with you every step of the way. They love details, test results, any information you can get your hands on. The more the better. So again welcome to you and Starsky.

Hugs,
Kathy

[chigg]

Thanks for the answers. Since I found this forum, have already decided we
need to do some tests. I am going to call a new vet. What tests should I ask for?
Thanks, Carol

[StarDeb55]

Welcome to you & Starsky! I'm sorry for the reasons that brought you here, but glad that you found us. Concerning your question about what tests to ask for, the following should give you a good start:

Urinalysis with culture. Cushpups will frequently show a very diluted urine with a low specific gravity. You will want to insist on a culture because the diluted urine may not show evidence of a UTI, when it really is there.

Some type of a senior blood panel or wellness blood panel which should include a chemistry panel, & Complete blood count. There are common liver function abnormalities in our pups that will show up on routine labwork. The chemistry panel will also take a look at kidney function, along with the blood glucose, so your vet can rule out diabetes.

A screening test for thyroid such as T4. It's very important that both diabetes & thyroid issues be ruled out as their symptoms will overlap with Cushing's.

There is an easy screening test for Cushing's called a urine cortisol/creatinine ratio. If it's negative, you ARE NOT dealing with Cushing's. Positive simply means that Cushing's is a possibility, further testing required.

After discussing everything with your vet, please let us know how you proceed. We are to help in anyway we can. Last suggestion, when any testing is done, ask the vet for copies of the results. We usually ask that you post the results of all labs that are done, so we can take a look as it helps us to give you the best specific feedback that we can.

Keep us posted.

Debbie

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

I'd call around to the vets and find one that has experience with cushings and the drugs. Explain about the limited income and you want to find out if this is cushings or what is going on. Hopefully you'll find one who can work with you to figure this out.
One option that a lot of our members have found helps, is called Care Credit. It has very low monthly payments and works for pets as well as humans. You can get instantly qualified online.
http://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/ I'm not saying have to use it, just that it is an option if you need it.
If you have any questions at all, please ask, we'll do all we can to help.

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[chigg]

I appreciate all of the help. I am going to contact two vets next week. Have printed out the message with tests that should be done.

Definitely want both these dogs to get the best care to keep them comfortable and happy.

Thanks to all of you,

Carol and Starsky

[Budsters Mom]

It sounds like your babies are in excellent hands!:) please post the test results when you get them and ask for copies of EVERYTHING!!!
Hugs,
Kathy