New to the Group and trying to save a pug

[aramsey]

Hi Everyone,
My pug Marley was just diagnosed with Cushing's and started his meds three days ago. I am trying to educate myself and make things easier for all of us. I keep crying and feel like he is suffering. I am sure there is some degree of that but he still has a sparkle in his eye, gets excited when I come home but he cannot walk right now. I hope I can reverse that with therapy. Does anyone else face walking issues with their dog who has this? Any suggestions on how to build his muscles back or anything at all to help me, I would sure appreciate it. I need to be involved and knowledgable since Marley my pug cannot. I look forward to knowing you all. Best, Alisha Ramsey and Marley the Pug

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Alisha and welcome to you and Marley!

Gosh, I am sorry for the reason that brought you here but sure glad you found us.

Cushing's is not a death sentence for a dog, it is a treatable disease. The two medications generally prescribed for Cushing's are Lysodren (Mitotane) and Vetoryl (Trilostane) and they are life savers for our cushdogs. Adverse side effects are mostly seen when the proper protocols are not followed. Education is key with this disease and an educated pet owner along with an experienced vet are effective in facilitating safe and efficacious treatment with few to no side effects.

Can you share more about your boy with us, you see, the more information we know about your sweet boy the better our feedback can be, ok? So here goes some questions: What symptoms was Marley displaying that led you or your vet to test for Cushing's in the first place? How much does Marley weigh? Is your boy taking any other herbs/supplements/medications? Does he have any other health issues? Was an urinalysis done, and if so, could you post those findings too? Could you get your hands on copies of all tests that were done on Marley and post any abnormalities that are listed...e.g....ALT 150U/L (5-50) Also we are especially interested in the results from any tests that were used to diagnose Cushing's in your boy...Thanks! Does Marley have the adrenal or pituitary type of Cushing's? What is the medication that was prescribed for his Cushing's and what dosage strength is it?

Weakness in the rear legs is a common symptom of a dog with Cushing's. This weakness is from that excess amount of cortisol that the dog is producing which causes muscle atrophy. Improvements in that area may take a while to see. Hydrotherapy can help with the rear leg muscle wasting, and having them as an exercise, walk backwards may help too.

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

Please ask all the questions you want and know that we will help in any way we can. ;)

Hugs, Lori

[Renee]

Welcome fellow pug mommy. I have three pugs, one with cushings.

You don't say if the inability to walk is recent and acute or a long-term ailment. Cushings aside, many pugs can be known to have hind-end issues, similar to degenerative myelopothy (probably butchered the spelling of that!). One of my pugs has tested negative as a carrier for the DM gene, but does display similar symptoms. He has had a steady decline over the past few years.

Please, please, please - if you have any doubts or concerns, stop the meds for now, get yourself educated, then make the proper decision. A dog won't die of cushings overnight.. but, adverse affects from overdose or misuse of cushings medication can happen quickly.

My pug Tobey was diagnosed in November of 2013, and started medication in December 2013. We've had a few bumps along the way, but for the most part, it has been managed very well. She's doing great right now. There is hope!