My dog has EVERY symptom of Canine Cushings disease. I have taken her to the vet twice and had a zillion test run, only to have them tell me, the test are inconclusive. This last time the vet basically said he couldn’t find anything that “She is just getting older.” My dog is a female approx. 10 years of age. Lab sheppard mix rescue. She has changed dramitcally in
the last few months. I can’t sit back and just let her die without trying something! She had been so active before January 2007. We would go to the park and hike several miles everyday! Now she can barely make it up the stairs. She can’t sleep through the night due to bladder issues, not to mention urinating in the house which has never happened before. Sorry I’ve probably given you more info than you needed. I’ve had very good luck personally going with a homeopathic type approach to my own health isses. I’ve been considering the homeopathic drops for the tratment of cushings. Is this a safe alternative? What are the bad side effects. Please reply soon. I hate to let anymore time slide by.
Desperate,
” I work at a vet office. My dog has cushings, and the only way we could find it was to send a blood sample to the vet school in Tennesee. I don’t know how far you are from The Ohio State’s vet school, but I’d consult w/them, or w/a veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist. The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Assoc.) has a list of those on their website.
There are some homeopathoic treatments out there, but they don’t usually have good results on moderate or severe cases. Tennesse’s results come back with a treatment suggestion, so I’d look into them.”
Good Luck,
Kristen
“From a veterinarian: Sometimes it is very difficult to diagnose Cushing’s syndrome, as tests can come back inconclusive. If your dog has not had a Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test, be sure one is done. Also, sometimes when results are not clear, waiting a few months and running the test again will give more diagnostic results. Another option would be to have an abdominal ultrasound done; however, it can be difficult to find the adrenal glands with ultrasound–IF they are seen, they can be measured to see if they are of abnormal size.
There is also a little-known similar condition seen in some dogs (I believe one of my own dogs had it but it was before a test was available.) There is another adrenal hormone that is similar to cortisol and can cause a similar syndrome but test negative for Cushing’s. Testing for it is available through the University of Tennessee. If your veterinarian is not familiar with it, ask him/her to contact U of TN about it to learn more.
I am not familiar with any effective homeopathic treatment for Cushing’s.”
Melinda R. Burgwardt, DVM
Lancaster, NY
I’m not sure, what are you drops that you are using?
What tests have been run for Cushing’s disease so far? Is there a high ALP?
Dillute urine? Any weight gain or panting? Did your vet run an ACTH stimlutation or low dose dexamethasone test? Many vets are uncomfortable with endocrine disorders. You may need to seek an endocrinologist or internal medicine specialist in your area. Ask for a referral from your veterinarian. Is there a vet school nearby? They should have one there. Iowa State is a terrfic school.
In the end, the treatment for Cushing’s is mostly treating the symptoms and making the pet feel better. You can’t stop the disease, only slow it down.
Good luck.
Adam Ralston DVM
Las Vegas, NV
“I read your email and wanted to know if your vet had recommended Trilostane. My cat has been diagnosed with Cushings disease and they put him on Trilostane which is actually for dogs. They do not have any medicine for cats with Cushings because it is so rare. I live in Mission, Kansas and the place I took my cat is Vet Specialists and Emergency Center. I am sure they would point you to someone in Ohio that could help with this. The phone number is 913-642-9563. I have heard that this medicine has really been a lifesaver. Let me know if you have any questions.
Jill
http://www.k-9club.com
I have had this same problem since 4/2007 with my Yorkie. He was admitted into emergency care 7/14 because of dehydration and anorexia. I believe 110% its Cushings and have since April. This is his 4th vet and finally she agrees with me. They are so afraid to diagnose this disease it was making me crazy. I know my dog. Who is only 7yrs old and was heatlhy and vibrant. Had an ultrasound showing enlarged prostate (was hoping to breed him at one point) now he is being neutered once healthy enough to help this problem. Enlarged adrenal glands – both – which usually means its pituatary cushings and an enlarged liver. Had digital xrays and blood tests. Finally $1600 dollars later and after my Trinket was close to death from complications of the disease rather than the disease. He is going for a low dex test after much pleading. Please go to an internal specialist. Thats the first thing the emergency vet said to me. In my area vets are a dime a dozen and lots just dont care as much as they should or you think that they would being in the field. This last vet was exceptional. I do believe now we are in the right direction that we could have been in months ago if these vets listened to me – the owner, the person who knows the dog best. I knew what was normal for him and what was not. I am also considering going on a raw diet to help him. Don’t give up, just go to a specialist. You know your dog better than anyone.