Cushings

[PamJ]

My 12 or 13 year old beagle grand-dog who now lives with me was diagnosed with Cushings. I can see how it's been slowly developing the last few years. He's at the point now of being hungry a lot, losing weight, losing a lot of hair, and having itchy, scaly patches on his skin. So far he's still able to make it outside to potty. The Doodle is either being compassionate or trying to nip his tail--there's a big bald spot, NOT from the Cushings.

Has anyone dealt with this and can give me any tips? Thankfully our vet wants to manage the symptoms, rather than use drug treatment, because what is available has very serious side effects and doesn't really help.

[tuffystar]

I don't know anything but you are in our prayers!

[DebBrown]

We had a standard poodle with Addison's disease which is the opposite disease. She didn't produce cortisone, adrenaline, etc. She was treated with meds for years and did quite well. We kept her out of stressful situations since her body could not create the adrenaline to deal with stress.

The drug was a bit pricey but I was able to order it online from a Canadian pharmacy for a fraction of the US price.

We agreed not to do anything exteme to prolong her life since she was getting old but she managed for a number of years with her disease.

I know this doesn't help too much but I understand it is difficult to make a decision. It helps at least to have a diagnosis because then you can consider your options.

Deb

[PamJ]

Thank you so much for the prayers and encouragement, Kathy and Deb.

I hadn't heard of Addisons--it truly is the opposite. I'm so glad you found something to help.

Interesting how stress plays a role in both conditions. I'm sure the Doodle pup didn't lessen Nate's stress this summer, but they seem so attached now that I have to think Charlie has also been good for him. He started exercising and playing and being interested in life again. Before, it seemed like he slept all the time.

I'm seeing why Doodles make such good service dogs. Even though they play and he irritates Nate, Charlie is also very attentive, to the point of being his "nurse." I'm anticipating that this will continue and be a help as things progress.

Thanks again for the support. It means a lot.

[MaxandMe]

I too don't know much about cushings......... but i will be saying prayers for you and Beagle, also hoping that his condition improves
and/or is manageable for both of you.

[PamJ]

Oh, thank you so much, Annmarie. I can't tell you how much this forum has helped and encouraged me. It has been a real blessing to meet people who care so much and share a love for our animals.

[MySweetDoodle]

Sorry that I can't be of much real help but just want to let you know that life with Cushings is very manageable. I once had a toy poodle who developed Cushings. It's been many years so I really don't remember the exact treatment but I do know that there were some minor diet changes involved. I don't think there was any continuous type of medication but I may be wrong on that. Timmy was also a heart patient and took daily heart medication from the time he was about 7 years old. I had a fabulous vet who kept *on top* of everything, so I can tell you that having a very good vet and working closely with him/her is very important in managing Cushings. My little guy lived to be 16 years old - and he was a very healthy, happy, and most importantly, *symptom free* Cushings (and heart) patient.

I hope that your boy does just as well.

[seazr]

Payers to you and your beagle-boy. So glad that Charlie is a factor in his life--that is really precious!

[Beardedlady]

So sorry for what you are going through... Hope that tomorrow brings some encouragement and you will find a way to work through this.

[PamJ]

Many thanks, Ann and Diane. And that is very encouraging, MSD, to hear you were able to manage the disorder so well. Nate seems uncomfortable today and is losing huge amounts of hair. If those diet changes come to mind, I would greatly appreciate hearing. My vet suggested a higher fiber diet so he doesn't feel quite so hungry and fish oil capsules for the sores on his skin. I'm adding a little pumpkin, green beans, apple, and blueberries everyday too, and he loves the pumpkin/oatmeal cookies from this forum.

[Jac]

Pam, I don't have any experience with this, but wanted to share my good wishes and prayers....hope all will be well with the treatments.

[anny51]

Pam - did a quick google to see what came up...not a lot, but you might find something useful in this link:

http://www.caninediabetes.org/kriscushingscorner.html

[Doodlesville]

Pam,,
I had one of my clients come and pickup a pup last week
she has a older dog with cushings, she put her dog on nuvet vitamins ,within a MONTH the dog shows no sign of the dissease
i have her testimony on my NUVET vitamins page
http://www.doodlesville.net/NUVETINFO.html

https://www.nuvetlabs.com/order/default ... orid=48137

I love these vitamins and Im thrilled they are doing so well !!

[PamJ]

Again, many thanks for the kind thoughts and prayers. That article was most interesting, Annie. It brought up several issues I should research more, such as diet, and confirmed several odd symptoms I've noticed but hadn't read about elsewhere. Thank you.

I've been considering trying the Nuvet vitamins. Thanks for mentioning it, Nancy. He'll be retested in 3 months, which might be long enough to see a difference. His thyroid was borderline. Maybe they would help that too.