trumanrulz
02-15-2014, 07:39 PM
Hi, everyone!
My Boston Terrier, Truman, will be 14 yrs old on March 3, and he has been "borderline" Cushing's at each testing since 2007. His numbers never quite make the mark, and MRI's show no tumors, so our vet advised to manage his symptoms, as the medication options are expensive and toxic (Tru does, however, take Rimadyl for his hips). Perhaps lucky for Truman, the most pronounced symptom over most of the last 7 years has been the excessive drinking/urination, which every family member takes part in managing (keep water fresh & run Tru out for a whiz every time you look at him). I have to say, I was worried at first about not medicating him, but now, with all these great years behind us I’m glad we took a “wait-and-see” approach. His energy is excellent, and his desire to play and engage is completely undiminished.
That said, Tru is exhibiting more symptoms of late. He recently started losing small “disks” of fur on his back, on either side of his spine, and for the last year, he’s been knuckling on his back right toe, sort of dragging it along behind him. The weakness in his hind quarters is also evident in his “misses” when he tries to jump on the couch (of course, he REFUSES to sleep on a bed on the floor, or use a ramp to get on the couch). He’s also a legendary pacer – goes the length of the house back and forth until he’s distracted with another activity or physically picked up and placed on the couch. He's now showing the characteristic pot-belly, despite keeping a strict, home-made diet for his entire adult life. Tru is also showing signs of hearing loss, though I don’t know if this is common to Cushing’s or if it’s a sign of his advancing age.
I’d be interested to know if there are folks who have started treatment on an older dog and what the experience was like. Also, has anyone supplemented with alternative remedies (herbs, acupuncture/pressure, dietary considerations, etc.)? Were they helpful?
Thanks so much for reading and for being such a great resource here.
My best,
Michele
My Boston Terrier, Truman, will be 14 yrs old on March 3, and he has been "borderline" Cushing's at each testing since 2007. His numbers never quite make the mark, and MRI's show no tumors, so our vet advised to manage his symptoms, as the medication options are expensive and toxic (Tru does, however, take Rimadyl for his hips). Perhaps lucky for Truman, the most pronounced symptom over most of the last 7 years has been the excessive drinking/urination, which every family member takes part in managing (keep water fresh & run Tru out for a whiz every time you look at him). I have to say, I was worried at first about not medicating him, but now, with all these great years behind us I’m glad we took a “wait-and-see” approach. His energy is excellent, and his desire to play and engage is completely undiminished.
That said, Tru is exhibiting more symptoms of late. He recently started losing small “disks” of fur on his back, on either side of his spine, and for the last year, he’s been knuckling on his back right toe, sort of dragging it along behind him. The weakness in his hind quarters is also evident in his “misses” when he tries to jump on the couch (of course, he REFUSES to sleep on a bed on the floor, or use a ramp to get on the couch). He’s also a legendary pacer – goes the length of the house back and forth until he’s distracted with another activity or physically picked up and placed on the couch. He's now showing the characteristic pot-belly, despite keeping a strict, home-made diet for his entire adult life. Tru is also showing signs of hearing loss, though I don’t know if this is common to Cushing’s or if it’s a sign of his advancing age.
I’d be interested to know if there are folks who have started treatment on an older dog and what the experience was like. Also, has anyone supplemented with alternative remedies (herbs, acupuncture/pressure, dietary considerations, etc.)? Were they helpful?
Thanks so much for reading and for being such a great resource here.
My best,
Michele