Cushing's and my mastiff

[lizschr8er]

Hello! I adopted a mastiff, Pickles, a little over a year ago. I don't know much about her history except that she was kept in a garage and used for breeding. She is overweight and in the year that we've had her she has lost 3 pounds. She went from no walks to walking at least a mile around our neighborhood every day. Her weight has not budged. She sits at every opportunity on our walks. She pants excessively even in 20 degree weather. She drinks more than average which makes her pee a ton. She has had many accidents in the house. We keep her confined to the kitchen when we leave and at night and we are on constant "Pickles Watch" when we are home with her. We have run some tests trying to get answers as to why she isn't losing weight. etc. So many of her symptoms point to a Cushing's diagnosis. She does not have hair loss though. I am taking her to another vet tomorrow for a second opinion. I would love to hear your thoughts on my situation. Thank you!

[labblab]

What a gift to this sweet girl that you rescued her! Thank you from us all, and welcome to you and Pickles.

Yes, it does sound as though Cushing's is a possibility, and I think it may be reasonable to have her tested. As you may already know, there are a couple of different Cushing's-specific blood tests. In addition, most Cushpups exhibit some common abnormalities on general lab panels that can include dilute urine, elevated liver markers (ALKP and ALT), high cholesterol, abnormalities in white blood cell counts, low thyroid reading, etc. So some general lab work may be the first place to start, including ruling out diabetes and also checking for the presence of a urinary tract infection. Depending on all these results, then Cushing's testing may indeed be the next step.

We're really glad you've found us, and please feel free to ask any additional questions that come to mind!

Marianne

[judymaggie]

Welcome to you and Pickles! I bet Pickles is relishing his new home and I know how much joy rescues bring to our lives. When you get a chance, it would help us if you would post the lab results that are either high or low along with the range for each test, i.e., ALKP 1100 (range 80-200). If you aren't already getting copies of Pickles' test results, I would recommend you start a file now. This will help you (and us) as you move along a diagnostic path. Vets tend to talk in generalities and it is good to know exact results.

[molly muffin]

I just want to say hello and welcome to you and Pickles. Love that name.

What did the vet say the other day that you took her to?

Poor baby, so glad she has a good home now.