My 7 yr old schnauzer has been diagnosed with Cushings (pituitary) how could he be treated other than harsh drugs and frequent lab tests?
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My 7 yr old schnauzer has been diagnosed with Cushings (pituitary) how could he be treated other than harsh drugs and frequent lab tests?
It is a difficult decision to elect treatment for Cushing’s disease.
Cushing’s disease itself is not typically fatal. It is just difficult to deal with the clinical signs- drinking and urinating alot, panting, skin issues, etc. Many owners elect not to treat and to adjust to the clinical signs and keep the pet comfortable. If it is the clinical signs you are interested in controlling then the only option is treatment of the disease. The gold standard is Lysodren, which they are initially started on for 7-10 days until certain signs are noted. Then a blood test is performed and if the disease is adequately controlled the pet is placed on a maintenance dose of the medication twice a week with periodic blood tests.
Please make sure you have followed all of your veterinarians recommendations to get a definitive diagnosis of Cushings. There are blood tests, but often times an ultrasound of the adrenal glands is also recommended.
Best of luck.
Tammy Evans, DVM
Caring For Life, Inc.
Cocoa, FL
To treat Canine Cushing’s Syndrome your have your choice of strong (effective) medicine that works and weaker medicine that kinda works. Must lab test frequently. You will risk your pet’s life without appropriate lab work. Sorry.
Philip McHugh, DVM
Park Veterinary Hospital
Durham, NC
To treat Cushing’s disease successfully, you need to use the proper medications and frequesnt laboratory testing, at least initially during the induction period. There is no other alternative.
Mike Keem, DVM
Aurora Pet Hospital
East Aurora, NY