Newbie with questions

[KirkWheeler]

Hi, Our 12 y/o cocker spaniel was diagnosed four months ago and is doing well on Vetoryl (20 mg at present; due for ACTH recheck next month.) My questions concern his skin/fur condition and any observations about treatment affecting previous neuropathy. Barney was temporally paralyzed four years ago when he suffered a slipped disk. Surgery found two herniated disks and successfully restored his ability to walk and run after extensive rehab.

Prior to his Cushings diagnosis, he had noticeable muscle loss and was having trouble walking again. Since starting Vetoryl he has regained bladder control and the weight he lost. However, over the last few weeks it seems as if he is having trouble getting up and initially walking. No loss of energy and he moves rapidly but awkwardly. Is this a likely side effect of either the Cushings or his medication?

Secondly, his fur has changed since starting Vetoryl. It is dry and tends to come out in clumps. No skin issues are visible and the discolorations seen prior to diagnosis are resolving. I have him on an Omega-3 supplement. Are there other suggestions about dealing with coat condition?

Thanks for any input.

[lulusmom]

Hi Kirk and welcome to you and Barney.

Barney's difficulty in rising from a prone position could be arthritis in his hips and/or spine which can be very painful. It is not uncommon for pet owners to discover their dog has arthritis once treatment lowers cortisol and the pain becomes apparent. Cortisol is our body's very effective anti-inflammatory so Barney was very likely self medicating with all that excess cortisol in his bloodstream. If I were you, I would have the vet check Barney out for degenerative joint and/or disk disease. If that's problem, appropriate treatment can alleviate the pain. NSAID's are routinely prescribed for this and while I'm not a big fan, they can greatly improve quality of life. I give all my dogs Cosequin which is good for joints so you may want to consider adding that to Barney's daily regimen. I was shocked to see that Walmart carries it. I see that you are already giving Omega 3 supplement so that is also good for joint health.

With respect to your question about Barney's coat, we know from experience here, as well as credible veterinary references, that it is very common for a dog with cushing's to experience huge shedding once treatment has kicked in. It is also common that regrowth in cushdogs can be a different color and a completely different texture. We've had members tell us that their dog looked like a completely different breed when shedding stopped and coat was restored.

Glynda

[KirkWheeler]

Thanks. Our regular vet has mentioned arthritis but we have been reluctant to consider it because of Barney's history of spinal issues. We do already have him on a joint supplement. I may increase the dosage before trying the NSAIDs (I too am leery of using them heavily.)

Apparently we will have to wait to see about his coat. He had a really nice coat with a classic "Cocker" trim. Now looks a bit like an overweight beagle with tufts coming out.

[lulusmom]

Apparently we will have to wait to see about his coat. He had a really nice coat with a classic "Cocker" trim. Now looks a bit like an overweight beagle with tufts coming out.

Yep, these are the kind of comments I remember reading over the years. The good news is that his quality of life is much better with treatment and he may look different on the outside but he's the same baby on the inside. :)

[Renee]

About 2-3 months into treatment my girl blew her entire coat. Lost all of it. I took her to the groomer and she came out bald. It all grew back, very thick and fluffy, like puppy coat.

it has since changed, which is common too. It's not as thick or soft as it used to be, but she's okay and that is all that matters!