So Scared, new diagnosis (Cushings and Diabetes)

[MaggiesMommy]

My beautiful 12 year old Lashapoo Maggie, was diagnosed yesterday with both Cushings as well as diabetes. I am shocked, scared and looking for answers and help :(

We are blessed with a wonderful vet, but she knows how emotionally attached I am to my little girl and I am fearful she is not telling me the "FULL" truth of my babies condition.

I was told her blood count was over 2000 and that was very high.
After every test know to man yesterday, I was told to give her the following

Morning and night... a needle of insulin 12 hours apart after a meal
Morning...30 mg of Vetoryl and night 10mg of Vetoryl
Clavaseptin for two weeks; for possible bladder infection

Our Dr is telling me that the diabetes is a direct result of the Cushings being so high and possibly she might be able to stop the insulin in 2 to 3 weeks if we can control the diabetes.

I had to learn how to give her the needle and this morning gave her the first shot. I left the room so she could not see me and burst into tears.

Is there anyone else who had this double diagnosis and if so what happened. I cant imagine my life without her and just want to make sure I give her every fighting chance. I just cancelled a very important business trip and will not leave her side until I know this has balanced out or at least is being controlled..

PLEASE HELP any one who has had both diagnosed.
MaggiesMommy

[Renee]

Hello and welcome. The resident experts will be along soon to give you a much more in depth explanation and advice -- but, please, please, please DO NOT GIVE any vetoryl until you've heard everyone out. Cushings does not cause diabetes. It is highly likely your pup may just have diabetes and not cushings at all.

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and Maggie,

The first thing I highly reccomend is joining our sister site that deals with canine diabetes, the wonderful folks there will be able to help immensely with getting Maggie's diabetes under control, here's their link: http://www.k9diabetes.com/forum/

We do have members with dogs that are dealing with both diabetes and Cushing's and I am sure they will be along shortly to share their knowledge and support.

When a dog is diagnosed with diabetes and Cushing's is also suspected the diabetes must take priority over the Cushing's. Diagnosing Cushing's can be very difficult and it makes it even more challenging in a dog that has uncontrolled diabetes. You see, any non-adrenal illness can cause false positive results from all tests for Cushing's and uncontrolled diabetes is one of those non-adrenal illnesses that can definitely create a false positive Cushing's diagnosis. I'm providing a quote from Dr. Peterson, who is a renown Cushing's expert and also is a contributor to Dechra's continuing education site:
The problem with diabetic dogs is that it's very difficult to make a diagnosis of Cushing's with certainty unless we see cutaneous changes. PU/PD, polyphagia, and high liver values all could be secondary to the diabetes. False-positive test results on a LDDST are very common in dogs with nonadrenal illness, such as diabetes Full article can be found here: Q & A: Diagnosing Cushing's Disease in Dogs with Diabetes Mellitus (http://endocrinevet.blogspot.com/2012/01/q-diagnosing-cushings-disease-in-dogs.html)

What symptoms is Maggie displaying? Could you post the results of all the tests that were done on Maggie, we only need the values marked abnormal (H or L) with the reference ranges and units of measurement. Beside the medications you have already listed is Maggie taking any other herbs/supplements/medications? How much does she weigh?

Please know we will help in any way we can so do not hesitate to ask all the questions you want. ;)

Hugs, Lori

[LauraA]

How much does Maggie weight? She doesn't look too big if that is her in your picture and it is important that the Vetoryl dose isn't too high. The recommended starting dose is 1 mg to 1 pound so that 40mg that your vet is recommending would mean your girl is around 40 pounds?

Having said that I have no experience with diabetes so am unsure how that would effect the dose. I thought I read that they generally try and get the diabetes under control first but am not sure if I read it in the forums or thought I did hehe. Silly memory! I am sure someone will be along to let you know the best course of action soon 😊

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi and welcome to you and Maggie! :)

I can imagine how very scared you are right now but take a deep breath - this can be done. Lori sent you to our sister site for canine diabetes and I hope you have spent some time talking with them. They will reinforce what Lori has said about this duel diagnosis coming about at the same time. Do NOT worry about the Cushing's right now and do NOT start treatment for Cushing's until the diabetes is better controlled. Tooooo often a pup is given this duel diagnosis only to learn after the pup becomes sicker that Cushing's was never in play to start with and the treatment for it with these powerful drugs was not needed.


Our Dr is telling me that the diabetes is a direct result of the Cushings being so high and possibly she might be able to stop the insulin in 2 to 3 weeks if we can control the diabetes.

As far as I know, insulin is a life-long drug once the need for it appears on the scene. The amount of insulin needed can become lower as cortisol is controlled in a TRUE CUSH PUP....but that term "true" cannot be applied to Maggie at this point. Because of the diabetes, any tests for Cushing's can and probably will be skewed - giving inaccurate results.

So for today, forget about the Cushing's and concentrate with all your might on diabetes - getting it under control and learning all you can about it so you know best how to help your sweet girl. Then if you need us later, we will be here! ;)

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Jenny & Judi in MN]

take a deep breath. My Jenny had both and it is overwhelming. The kind folks here and on the K9 diabetes site helped me a ton.

The biggest issue can be that many many diabetic dogs are falsely diagnosed with Cushings when they don't really have it. The cushings tests measure cortisol and if a dog's body is stressed from diabetes and a possible UTI, their cortisol levels can be high from that and lead a vet to misdiagnose. We've seen it too often.

So, many many people urged me to take my dog to a specialist because of both diseases and I resisted because it was far away. In hindsight, I wish we had done it right away.

The shots will get easier with the insulin. How big is your dog and what size syringe are you using?

We've been at this for over 3 years now and my Jenny knows she gets a special treat after her shot so she just patiently waits for me to get on with it.

Please join the diabetes forum. And tell the folks here what cushings symptoms your dog has and what the ACTH levels were with the test.

Mine had the pot belly, crappy fur coat, laying in cool places and a need for much more insulin than most dogs her weight needed until we got the cushings under control.

I want you to know you aren't alone. We are here to listen and support. I remember being a wreck back in the day. but you can do this. hang in there. Judi

[3bostons]

Hi, it is scary when they are sick. You will find alot of good advice and help on these boards. Im with you right now in the midst of learning alot. My girl has had cushings for 2 years now and just recently got the diabetes diagnosis too. So, they can have both but hopefully your baby doesnt. I had her cushings under control and then find her starting to show some similar symptoms again, only to learn that both diseases have some similar signs. Its all confusing in the beginning but theres good help and info here to start.
Hang in there,
Deb and Kona