feeling hopeless - Cushing's and now diabetes

[Mel11]

My 9 year old Siberian Husky was diagnosed with a thyroid problem about 5 years ago. A few months ago she suffered 2 strokes. Prior to that there were concerns when her blood work came back and the vet believed that she needed to be tested further for cushings. We were scheduled to begin testing right before she suffered her strokes. After she recovered from the strokes we tested and she does have cushings... pituitary gland. She did well on 60mg, the tech messed up her testing (tested her too early) and her dose was lowered. She went downhill and I insisted that we go back on the 60mg. She did better; however, suddenly she lost tons of weight and lost her appetite and continued to drink tons of water. We went in for more testing of her levels and I asked them to do a test for a UTI as she had been going more frequently and she was licking herself a lot. She didn't have an infection; however, the news was worse. She also now how diabetes. :( The vet thinks that we should go ahead euthanize... but I just can't accept that answer. She says that we she guarantee that we'll ever get her levels right because of all the other factors.. thyroid, cushings, the fact that she has had 2 strokes. I'm lost and don't know what to do. I don't want to lose my girl. The costs are astronomical but I'm still willing to try. Has anyone else been in this situation? Can anyone offer any words of advice or comfort? I don't really think she is suffering right now. She doesn't act like it anyway. She still happy to go for our walks and happy to be with mama. But she is a lot more lethargic. How does one know when they are suffering? How does one know when to throw in the towel? I'm not a fan of euthanasia unless there is a non treatable disease going on. But this is yet one more thing that can be treated. I'm feeling lost and hopeless... I don't know what to do. :(

[labblab]

Welcome to you and your girl, although I am very sorry that you two are having such a rough time right now. First off, we do have several members who are successfully treating both Cushing's and diabetes simultaneously. So even though it can be challenging, it is not an impossible task by any means. My first word of advice is to visit and join our sister forum that deals with diabetic dogs. They are a great group who can give you tons of info and support re: the diabetic side of things.

http://www.k9diabetes.com/forum/

As far as the Cushing's, it will help us a lot if you can give us the actual numerical results for your girl's diagnostic Cushing's tests and also all subsequent ACTH monitoring tests. Regarding the low thyroid issue, it may actually finally normalize all on its own once the Cushing's and diabetes are well controlled. And in terms of the strokes, does your dog have remaining deficits that are compromising her ability to function? If not, I don't know why the stroke history would preclude treating her endocrinological problems.

So don't give up hope! But if you are going to pursue treatment, her diabetes needs to be addressed immediately. Otherwise, she can rapidly descend into a life-threatening crisis. If she is very lethargic right now, I don't think that is a good thing! Please go register on the diabetes forum, and let those good folks guide you as to what you need to be doing to take care of her diabetes ASAP.

Marianne

[Squirt's Mom]

Sweetheart, I am so sorry your baby girl is facing so much all at once. And I am very sorry her vet is such a jerk. What a horrible thing to say to you! :( But there is good news - like Marianne said these things can be managed. The bad news is your vet may be beyond repair so be prepared to look for a new one. ;):)

You know your baby girl better than anyone else on this earth and you will know when her fight is gone. Til then, we fight right along with them. Go get involved at k9diabetes asap - that is the priority and a critical one that must be attended ASAP. Diabetes can be immediately life-threatening while the thyroid and Cushing's aren't. ;) So get started on that and let us know how she is doing.

We will be here anytime you need to talk!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[labblab]

Just wanted to add that I have taken the liberty of editing your thread title in order to let people know about this new dual diagnosis of both Cushing's and diabetes. This way, other parents who are treating both conditions will be more likely to find you. ;)

Marianne

[SuperCupcake64]

I could not agree more with this: "You know your baby girl better than anyone else on this earth and you will know when her fight is gone."

Euthanasia is a great option to have--but as an owner of a 14.5 year old dog with a host of issues (although not Cushings), having the option to end life rather than letting nature take its course can also feel like a burden. If you feel that your dog still has quality of life and are up for the challenge of treating her issues, make things simple and go with your gut!

[Dixie'sMom]

Hey and welcome to our family! I agree with the others in that your vet is a jerk and YOU will know when its time to let go. If you feel she still has a good quality of life (and it sounds like she does) then choose treatment and don't look back. It does sound like your vet is not up to the challenge tho, so ask around to see if there is anyone that your friends recommend. If there is an Internal Medicine Specialist in your area, that would be the route to go since she has multiple problems. If you post your location there may be someone on the forum here or the K9Diabetes forum who can recommend someone in your area.

Best of luck to you and I will be following along to see how your baby is doing. Hang in there Mom!