Silky Terrier Diagnosed with Cushings Disease - Tino has passed

[charpol]

My 16 1/2 Year Silky Terrier was diagnosed with Cushings Disease about six months ago. He had started losing his coat, becoming more thirsty and hungry which caused him to urinate more often as well as have more bowel movements, more often on the carpet than outside. He has always been house trained and would let me know when he had to go outside. He has stopped doing that and at times seems to be incontinent. He will wake me several times at night, usually in time to let him out, but now he wakes me after he has gone. I spend much of my time on my hands and knees cleaning the carpet. Now that the weather is nicer, I leave the front door open so he can go in and out as needed. That doesn't help, he still goes in the house. He has also lost his hearing and much of his vision due to his age. He can no longer go upstairs,and acts fatigued and sad. I know he is in his twilight years and only hope he's not in pain. How can I tell if he's in pain?

[doxiesrock912]

Some of the symptoms don't match Cushings. Has he been checked for SARDS?

[goldengirl88]

Welcome to the forum. I am sorry your baby is having troubles. Losing weight is not a symptom of Cushings. Gaining weight is. Have you had your dog checked for diabetes and thyroid problems? I would also have a check on the Sards. Blessings
Patti

[labblab]

Aside from outward signs such as whining, crying, agitation, or panting, it can be hard to judge pain levels in dogs. And unfortunately, chronic panting can be a symptom of Cushing's itself.

Can you tell us a bit more about your dog's overall health history and the process you went through to diagnose the Cushing's? Is he taking any medication to treat the Cushing's?

The reference to SARDS relates to a syndrome in which a dog can suddenly go completely blind, literally overnight. The blindness can be preceded or accompanied by other symptoms shared with Cushing's. How long has your dog been blind, and did the loss of sight precede these other problems? If so, I'd be inclined to agree with you that the sight/hearing issues are most likely a result of aging.

As far as the other symptoms, for the most part they do sound consistent with Cushing's (Patti mentioned weight loss as being unusual, but I am not seeing weight loss listed in your post...). And so for a very senior dog, the question becomes one of balancing the rigors of medication and monitoring vs. the severity of symptoms and overall quality of life. If you will tell us more of your dog's story, hopefully we can help you to sort that out. I know it is very hard to watch our babies age and decline, Cushing's or no Cushing's. :o

Marianne

[goldengirl88]

Good thing you checked me Marianne I thought she said weight loss and she said loss of coat!! He does seem to have Cushings symptoms with that part alleviated. Are you planning on taking him for testing? I guess you will need to determine your dog at this age is really up for all the testing that must be done to diagnose Cushings, or to just keep him comfortable for the remainder of his time. Sadly it is usually the older dogs that get Cushings. You have done a great job getting your dog to the age of 16 1/2 that is wonderful. I wish you the best on whatever you decide. Blessings
Patti

[charpol]

I so appreciated the responses to my post regarding my Silky's health problem. I delayed in replying as I had wanted to go to the vet today to get a copy of his last blood test which may explain why the vet diagnosed him with Cushings Disease. His ALT (liver enzymes abnormal) 406 ; Alk Phosphatase (adrenal) 773; urinalysis diluted. He has abdominal distention, very thin coat with many age spots showing through and some warts. His personality has changed from hyper and happy to fatigue and sadness.
After researching treatment for the disease, possible side effects, the monitoring and the fact he has lived past his life expectancy, I chose to not burden him with the treatment. His quality of life is not good of course due to his poor eyesight and hearing as well as arthritis, all came on slowly, but I am giving him love and keeping him comfortable. Over his lifetime, he has been happy and healthy with routine vet checkups, senior wellness checkups every year the last few years. His numbers were fine last year. I know I will have to make a decision when I know it is time. Thank you again for responding to my post.

[goldengirl88]

God Bless you both and I hope you baby lives a long life with you.
Patti

[charpol]

Thank you again for caring. My thoughts are with you and Tipper. Char

[molly muffin]

Welcome to the forum. The reasons that your vet diagnosed cushing all seem relevant to the disease itself. I can certainly understand at 16 1/2 and with the arthritis, trying to manage a balance with his overall doggie happiness, quality of life.

Without treatment there isn't a whole lot that can be done for the urinating, and part of it could be a form of doggie dementia too. I think you can get or try Novofit, but it won't help with the actual need to urinate.

I certainly feel for you as it is hard to watch them getting older, no matter what is going on.

Sharlene and molly muffin

[charpol]

Thank you Sharlene for your helpful comments for my Silky "Tino's" (teeno) health problems. The vet did mention he may have dementia.
At times when I'm in plain sight he will go to different rooms looking for me. May be dementia as well as his poor eyesight and hearing.

Sixteen years ago when my husband was ill, I surprised him with Tino and they were joined at the hip for ten years until my husband passed away at 71. He also had dementia and diabetic retinopathy causing him to lose much of his eyesight. Tino and I had each other for comfort after our loss.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Molly Muffin. Char

[molly muffin]

Thanks Char.

Awww, sounds like there is and was a real strong bond between the three of you and now the two of you.

Talk to your vet about trying to novofit for the dementia and see if that helps. You never know it might.

Sharlene and molly muffin

[goldengirl88]

One of our members Leslie used Novofit on her Squirt and had some decent results with it, maybe it is worth a try. God Bless you both, you really need one another.
Patti

[charpol]

My Silky Terrier was euthanized today. He had many health problems including Cushings, but when he seemed to be in pain, I felt it was time to let him rest in peace. He was my husband's best friend before my husband died ten years ago. I like to think he has joined him in heaven. It was very painful to come home to an empty house. The void is huge!

[Trish]

So sorry to read this about Tino, my condolences to you at this sad time. Especially hard with losing that link to your husband, while sad for you I am thinking of their joyful reunion at the bridge right now. Big hugs.

[goldengirl88]

So very sorry to hear this. You helped your precious baby not be in pain by taking the pain on yourself. You are very brave and selfless to release your dog. I hope the two are reunited in heaven as they were on earth. Blessings
Patti

[Harley PoMMom]

I am so sorry for the loss of dear Tino and my heart goes out to you. Please know we are here for you and understand the pain you are feeling.

With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Lori

[molly muffin]

I'm so sorry to hear that you have loss your beloved Tino. I am sure that now he and your husband are together again.

My sincerest condolences.

Sharlene and molly muffin

[pansywags]

My condolences on the loss of your Tino. I hope that your memories of healthier, happier times will help to get you through. You can always lean on this group during rough moments.

[mytil]

My deepest condolences - I am so sorry. Your Tino will always be with you too.

Terry

[gatorgirl_bama]

Char,
I'm so sorry to hear about Tino. I know it's hard on you, but remember the happy healthy fella and know he is now with his beloved master. Sending you love and prayers. R.I.P. Tino.

Donna

[steiny]

Dear Char,
I can't even imagine the sadness you are experiencing. May the happy memories of Tino live on in your heart forever.

Kelly