New Cushpup

[Raydog]

My 11 yo Aussie mix was just diagnosed with Cushings. His liver enzymes are way high- over 1000. I have suspected Cushings for the past 2 years, but vet was convinced it was a thyroid problem. His symptoms have been hair loss, occasional pancreatitis, less energy. He weighed 74 pounds less than a year ago, but Friday was down to 66. It was a gradual loss. He has been on Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach (salmon based)and has tolerated it well. He is scheduled for a low dose dexamethasone suppresion test this week.
We got him from a local shelter 10 years ago and has been the best friend ever. He is so willing to please and was extremely easy to train. He loved doing agility, but it got to the point we couldn't keep up with him! I want to support him in any way to help him through this. However, I know his time will end eventually. I am interested in dietary support for his symptoms.

[Squirt's Mom]

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[Wrighton]

I am not a senior member, moderator, or administrator, but doing the testing is the first step. When you have the results ,ask that you be given a copy of all test results. Those on the list will need them. I am not really hearing the usual cushing symptoms like excessive drinking and peeing, pot belly, excessive hunger, although my dog has high liver enzymes and that is a sign.

The experienced members will be along soon. They are a wealth of information, very knowledgeable and kind.

Good luck,
Gail and Icy

[Raydog]

Thanks. He does have the pot belly and has always been a good drinker. I would not call his drinking or urination excessive however. Being a long haired dog, the missing fur was the first hint. My vet was just sure it was thyroid related, because he didn't really show any other signs, and his lab values were pretty normal. He still has bouts of energy, but I notice he lags behind on walks. He has become a heavy panter, and loves to lay on the air conditioning vent. :rolleyes:
I will post lab results when I get them.
Jeri and Radar

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Jeri,

Welcome to you and Radar! I am sorry for the reasons that brought you here but glad you found us. Bless you for giving Radar a loving and forever home, he sure is a lucky boy!

Some of Radar's symptoms can be associated with Cushing's, does he have any other clinical signs such as :excessive drinking/urinating; a ravenous appetite; muscle weakness, especially in the hind quarters; exercise intolerance; difficulty or unable to go up steps or jump on furniture? Also, dogs with Cushing's generally gain weight, not lose it.

Regarding his pancreatitis, how was this diagnosed? Lifestyle changes are required when a dog has acute/chronic pancreatits, such as: being fed a diet that is very low in fat; eating several small meals throughout the day, keeping hydrated; and staying at an ideal weight.

What liver enzyme/s were elevated? Get copies of all tests that were performed on your boy and posting those values that are abnormal here would be great...e.g...ALT 150 U/L (5-50)...thanks! Was an urinalysis done, and if so, could you post those findings too? Is Radar taking any other herb/supplement/medication?

The best advice I can give you is to do your research on Cushing's, the treatment protocols, and how it is diagnosed. I am providing a link to our Resource forum which has a wealth of information regarding Cushing's and also includes articles written by some of the most renown veterinarians that specialize in endocrinology http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=10

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to ask them.

Hugs, Lori

[Raydog]

Thanks, Lori. We are the fortunate ones to have found such a wonderful friend 10 years ago. He is SUCH a treasure. He is not excessively thirsty but tends to drink more, from time to time. He does not urinate excessively- usual 2 or 3 times a day, but he usually has a bladder full when he goes. We had trouble with counter cruising a couple of years ago, but not recently. He gained a lot of weight during the counter cruising, but has lost 8 pounds in the past 6 months. He is very food driven, but will take no for an answer. He has typical Cushing's fur loss- the back of his rear thighs are bare, and have been for more than a year. Also has lost a lot of fur on his sides and belly. We called it "Ray patterned baldness" for awhile. It seems he has also developed a heart murmur. He goes in Monday for the low dose methasone (?) test. I will get copies of the rest of his labs then. They could not get a urine sample at his last visit.
I appreciate the link you added. Since I have suspected Cushing's for some time, I have read a lot about it. I will post labs when I get them back Monday.
Thanks,
Jeri & Radar

[molly muffin]

We will be watching for his test results. It does seem to be many of the symptoms of cushings.

Do you by any chance have results from his blood work? Any high or low results on that?