Clinton, black lab cushings

[rebeccacorlew]

My dog was diagnosed and I read the side effects of the meds and decided to try a holistic approach
My lab has not been urinating as much but his panting has been extreme
Ian trying everything for him
Any suggestions?
How long does it take to notice a difference?

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and Clinton!

It would help us a great deal if you could share more information about your boy, in this way we can provide you with our best possible feedback and we get this information through a ton of questions so here goes some of mine. ;) Could you get copies of all tests that were done on Clinton and post those values that are abnormal. With respect to the blood chemistry and complete blood count (CBC), you need only post the highs and lows and please include the normal reference ranges. What diagnostic test/s for Cushing's were performed and could you post those results? Besides the increased panting does your boy display any of these common Cushing's symptoms: increased drinking/urinating, a ravenous appetite, skin/hair issues, pot-bellied appearance, exercise intolerance, and difficulty or unable to go up steps or jump on furniture? Does your boy have any underlying illness that he is taking medication for? And if so, what is it and what is the medication? Is he taking any supplements, medications or herbs? Was he diagnosed with pituitary or adrenal Cushing's? How much does Clinton weigh?

Cushing's is when a dog's system produces an excessive amount of cortisol, and as far as holistic medications, unfortunately I don't know of any truly effective alternatives to Rx medication when one wants to lower cortisol levels significantly.

The two medications that are usually prescribed for Cushing's are Vetoryl/Trilostane and Lysodren/Mitotane. These are strong drugs and both have some pretty scary side effects, however, adverse effects are minimized when the proper treatment protocols are followed. We have many members that are treating their cushdog with either Vetoryl/Trilostane or Lysodren/Mitotane and are experiencing success.

The best advice I can give you is to do your research on Cushing's, the treatment protocols, and how it is diagnosed. With treatment dogs with Cushing's can have a good quality of life and there is every reason to believe that they can live out their normal life span.

We realize that you may have some apprehensions in starting treatment but you are not alone and we will walk this journey with you. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask them.

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

Hugs, Lori

[judymaggie]

Hi -- I also wanted to welcome you and Clinton! Lori has gotten you off to a great start. I would strongly encourage you to read as much as you can in our Resource forum.

Looking forward to learning more about Clinton!

[DoxieMama]

Welcome to you and Clinton! I look forward to hearing more about him.

Hugs to you...
Shana

[molly muffin]

I just want to also say hello and welcome and join the others in saying we look forward to learning more about Clinton.

Holitstically I don't know of anything that causes the cortisol to actually lower which is what you need to have happen if the cortisol is high as it is with cushings.
The key to the medications is if giving trilostane/vetroly is going low and slow.

It would really help us give you feedback if we knew what tests where done and what values where either too high or too low.

Welcome