Questions about Atypical Cushings

[Axel's mom]

My dog has been diagnosed with atypical Cushing's disease. He is on Minotane, lignans, and melatonin. Does atypical cushing's disease shorten the life of the dog?

[labblab]

Hello and welcome to you and Axel -- we're really glad you've found us! You'll see that I've moved your reply from the older thread to which you had originally posted. With a new thread that is your very own, it will be much easier for our members to reply to you directly.

In answer to your question about lifespans, it has been our experience here that many Cushing's dogs are able to live out their full lifespans once the disease comes under good control through medical treatment. In order to answer specific questions about Axel, though, it will help us to learn a bit more about him and his situation.

Can you tell us how old Axel is, and how his Atypical Cushing's was diagnosed? Typically, this diagnosis is reserved for dogs who have normal cortisol levels but elevations in some other adrenal hormones. Treatment options include exactly the medications you mention: mitotane (Lysodren), lignans and melatonin. How long have you been treating Axel, and how does he seem to be doing? Are you seeing improvements in the symptoms that were causing him problems?

Thanks in advance for any additional info that you care to share with us. And once again, welcome to our group!

Marianne