Cushings ?

[hotdogdog]

Hi -
Long time reader of this site.  My dog is 8 years old now and we go for the final test to determine if its Cushings tomorrow...
He has had all the symptoms for the last year, plus. (bloated belly, excessive drinking, urinating, panting, etc.)  I have taken him to two different vets last year... and nothing proved conclusive.  This past week, his blood work has come back, in the cushings range, as well as the urine test which scored a 74 (1-13 is acceptable).  Tomorrow we go for a day long office visit to prove he has cushings... needless to say I am very nervous and worrying beyond belief.  I have scoured the web sites looking for info on this dreaded disease.  I am worried he only has 2 more years left, but you cant believe all you read on the net.  Does anyone here ever had their Doxie diagonoised with Cushings ? any advise ? any alternate drugs ?? 
Thanks in advance...
Al

[Kari]

Hello! I don't have any advice on this topic at all but I just wanted to say welcome to the site and there are a ton of people of the board that have dealt with may different illnesses so hopefully someone can help you out. Rays are headed to your baby!

[cheryl186]

I am so sorry I have no advice to give you.  I have not had any dealings with Cushings.  I will however say prayers for you and your baby.  Please let us know tomorrow's outcome.  God Bless you.

[Munchfam]

Hi,
I too am a long-time, and enthusiastic, reader of this site and had been a member years ago but lost touch with the site through other time obligations. Your post really touched my heart and finally gave me the push I needed to become an active member again because I have had a dog who was definitely diagnosed with Cushings and one that the vet suspected was gravitating toward Cushings. My heart is still broken at having lost my Cushings dog in August of 2008, but not from the Cushings directly. She had turned 17 in July, and I treasure every memory of those 17 years. What I mainly wanted to tell you is to not be alarmed about the projected 2 years that seems to be the most common prognosis time span given in articles on the disease. My Darcy lived well beyond 2 years with the disease, and did very well, especially considering that she was a senior dog of 10+ years when she developed Cushings. As you are aware from your research, Lysodren is the most commonly used medication with this disease, but there is also a relatively new medication called Trilostane which is reported to have fewer side effects. If the diagnosis is definitely Cushings, you may want to ask your vet about it. A friend of mine uses Trilostane with her dachshund and has had very good results with almost no side effects. Above all, stay calm and remember what fighters our dachsie children are! Cushings is not an instant death sentence. Even as she advanced in years, you would never have known that my Darcy had it. Take care. I will keep you and your baby in my thoughts and prayers. 

[Barb]

Welcome !   I have no info on Cushings, but do have another friend that is dealing with it.  Sending rays for you and your baby - keep us posted please !

[janetleej]

I had a foster dog (now adopted) who was diagnosed with Cushing's disease. I know when you start reading things on the internet, it all sounds very grim, but I don't think it tells the whole story. There are some good meds out there. In fact there is a new one that has been approved recently (don't remember what it is called). My foster ended up needing one pill (25 mg selegeline) each morning with his breakfast. Within 3 months of beginning this regimen, there was a definite improvement in his Cushing's symptoms, and his blood work went back to normal. He does require regular blood work to monitor the disease, but he is expected to live a normal lifespan.

Wishing you the best!
Janet

[papbouv]

Mega Rays to you furkid do not believe all on the internet you will go crazy they though my Bouvier had it but were never sure.Good luck an d Hugs to all Papbouv

[scootersmom]

Hello -

Alas, I have no advice for you either, but mega rays are headed your way - I am so sorry you and your furkid are having to suffer through this.  *hugs*

[hotdogdog]

Thanks for all the kind words and rays...
I dropped off Tojo early this morning...
I should hear from the doc. sometime early this afternoon...
I did read about a newer drug for Cushings (less side effects) called
Trilostane.

I will keep y'all posted
Thanks !
Al

[hotdogdog]

Hello all -
well Tojo was at the vets all day...
Had the Low Dose Dex Suppression test...
I now have to wait for the results...

It was great to pick him up... I think he was more excited to see me than I him (if thats possible) 

[cheryl186]

I'm glad Tojo is back home with you tonight.  Continuing to send many prayers and comforting rays to you and your baby

[Kari]

So glad you were able to pick him up! Please keep us updated on the test results! Rays still headed his way! 

[doxielady5569128]

I'm sorry I don't have any advice either.  I will definitely be praying for you and your baby.      Let us know when the results are in.   

[hotdogdog]

Good day all -
Well its official, Tojo has cushings...
I spoke to the doc at length to discuss the meds...
so as of now he is taking
Prednisodone (steroid) and Lysodren (combats Cushings)
Doc said he will be on Lysodren for the rest of his life....
The good news is that we have the disease... I was spinning out of control with is
it cushings or worse (liver failure)....
and the best news is that the doc said Tojo can expect to live to his normal life span !!!
woo hoo !!!
Thanks so much for all the kind words and thoughts !!
It helps !

[Kari]

That is absolutely wonderful news (not that he has the disease, but that the prognosis is good)! It sounds like you are really on top of things!  :thumb:

[cheryl186]

Yes, it is wonderful news that Tojo can expect a normal lifespan!!!  We are very happy about that.  God Bless you and your baby....please keep us posted on how he is doing!!

[doxielady5569128]

I'm glad Tojo will have a normal lifespan!!   I hope the medicines do their job and help him.    We'll be thinking of him.   

[hotdogdog]

Hi -
yes, all Tojos activities will remain the same.  I know the squirrels, and rabbits aren't too thrilled with that bit of news.. 

[TerriL]

This is wonderful news!   :apls: :apls: :apls: :apls: :apls: :apls: :apls: