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cushings dogs

Read and learn more about cushings dogs. For more, visit the Dog Health website DoggyDogHealth.com

Q: Is hypothyroidism related to Cushings Disease in dogs?
My dog was diagnosed with low thyroid. Then we discovered that he has Cushings disease from the steroids used to treat his allergies. He has been off steroids for over 2 months now and is doing very well. Should I have his thyroid rechecked ($130 test) or are these things unrelated?

A: You definitely ought to have his thyroid function reassessed- if he is truly hypothyroid, he will need to be given synthetic thyroxine (thyroid hormone) for life.

It is a possibility, as Vet Tech said, that the low thyroid function was due to his Cushings- almost any illness can create a condition called Sick Euthyroid Syndrome, which basically means that although the thyroid gland is prefectly normal, less thyroid hormone is being produced as a direct effect of the illness.

As his Cushings was caused by the steroids, rather than by his body producing too much cortisol, the Cushings should resolve over time. You’ve said that he’s doing very well, which I’m taking to mean that the Cushings signs are resolving as expected.

The important thing when you do have him re-tested is to make sure that it is done as a FREE T4 (FT4) test. This is really the only practical and accurate test to diagnose hypothyroidism.

A Total T4 (TT4) test will detect low thyroid hormone, but cannot differentiate between sick euthyroid and true hypothyroidism.

A TSH test is not overly useful either, and I wouldn’t waste your money on it- while it should be higher than normal, up to 40% of hypoT dogs have normal levels, and up to 20% of normal dogs have elevated levels.

I hope that makes sense. Please feel free to email me if anything I’ve said is unclear.

Q: Does anyone know about cushings disease in dogs?
My dog has hypothyroidism and is being tested for cushings too, he also has major allergy problems. He is having an ACTH test and I am worried about his future.

A: I have a Siberian Husky mix with Cushing’s (also hypothyroidism and diabetes). Cushing’s is caused by a tumor in either the pituitary gland (in the brain) or an adrenal gland (one on each kidney). Testing will show whether the tumor is most likely in the pituitary or adrenal gland. If on the pituitary gland, it will most likely be treated non-surgically (brain surgery for dogs is rare). If on the adrenal gland, it may be possible to surgically remove the tumor. Most (I think something like 75%) of the time, the tumor is on the putuitary gland. My dog’s is and it is treated with a medicine called Lysodren. It is very expensive :( so luckily the dosage is very small – one pill per week. The pills run from about $6.00 to $7.50 each, depending on where you buy them. My dog was diagnosed about a year ago and is doing fine. Good luck!

Q: How effective is Lysodren in helping dogs with Cushings Disease?
My dog Cookie was recently diagnosed with Cushings and she also has a heart murmur. I first noticed she was ill when she had a seizure/episode. After being hospitalized, getting treatment and now on Lysodren and Enalapril she seemed to be her old self (she’s 11 yrs). A week after starting the Lysodren she had another episode (she collapses backward, her legs go straight, and she howls in pain), they usually last less than a minute and she seems to recover quickly, however after her last one she wont eat, drink just sleeps, seems very weak. I’ve noticed that the last 2 episodes which came almost 24 hrs apart, came almost 2 hrs after I gave her the Lysodren. After almost 3 wks, and $3,000 later, I still dont know what’s causing these episodes and I’m very concerned. Could the Lysodren be making her worse instead of better? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

A: Believe it or ont, there isn’t much evidence that treatment prolongs the life span of patients with Cushing’s disease, if you
don’t count euthanasia due to problems like increased urination. So the major benefit of treatment is not prolonged life but comfort of your pup in the remaining life span. With this in mind, if there were no symptoms beforehand, there seems to be no strong reason to treat the disorder at all. On the other hand, since you did notice symptoms, there is good evidence that it makes patients with clinical signs feel better and some evidence that starting treatment early helps to control symptoms long-term. So perhaps treatment IS a good option in your case.
There is an alternative approved treatment for Cushing’s disease, which is the use of selegiline (Anipryl Rx), a medication that works well in about 40% of Cushing’s disease cases and has less potential for harmful side effects and for causing hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease). It may be worth considering the use of this medication, but you’ll have to consult with your vet first, of course.

At the present time, most vets still favor the use of mitotane (Lysodren Rx) for the treatment of Cushing’s disease, primarily because it is effective more often than selegiline but also because some veterinary endocrinologists question whether selegiline works at all, because it doesn’t improve the results of standard tests used to assess the treatment of Cushing’s, even though it DOES appear to alleviate symptoms in many patients. So your vet’s choice of this medication is not really unusual. It is important to monitor for signs of hypoadrenocorticism and to know that it may occur when using Lysodren!

It should not bother your vet much if you opted to discontinue treatment for this condition and see what happens. However, you must realize that you would have to repeat the initial stages of medicating (in which regular lab work (ACTH response tests) would have to be done to ensure that we have the correct dosages) when/if you decided to start the medication again due to the occurrence of clinical signs. I know of no evidence that suggests that stopping treatment and then restarting it
is any more likely to cause problems. It would be best if you can schedule some time to discuss all this with your vet.

I’m sure the choice to use Lydodren was made in good faith based on your vet’s experiences with Cushing’s, and this
medication. However, it’s not always right for every case … talk to your vet about different options because, like I said, the medication is meant to help with your dog’s comfort. If she’s not any more comfortable ON the medication, you may want to consider switching it, or taking her off it completely.
Good luck!

Q: Are there any homopathic treatments for dogs with Cushings Disease?
my 9 year old bedlington terrier may have Cushings Disease….she is in the processing of lots of tests currently.
i do NOT like the strong drugs used to treat this disease and want to know if there are homopathic treatments?

A: I absolutely LOVE homoeopathic and natural remedies for all my animals (dogs, goats, horses, sheep, etc).

There is a great website based in QLD, Australia (http://www.healwithease.com/) I highly recommend you contact them – they’ll help you out.

Q: What is the treatment in dogs for cushings disease or diabetes?
Thanks for everyone’s input. She is under Vet care.

A: First the dog needs to be properly diagnosed by a veterinarian. Blood work will be drawn. A urinalysis will also be ran. Most times diabetes can be diagnosed in house. Cushings on the other hand, the blood work is sent out to an outside lab.

If the dog is diabetic, it will need to be given insulin twice daily. The diet will need to be controlled. Blood work and UA’s will need to be done at certain times to monitor progress.

If the dog has cushings, it will be put on a medication to keep the adrenal glands from producing too much cortisone. The dog will have to have routine blood work to monitor the medication.

Q: What is Cushings Disease in dogs?
I have a dog that apparently has cushings disease and I don’t really know what it is. Could someone explain it in simple terms. It would be a lot of help. Thank you.

A: BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Dogs with Cushing’s syndrome produce excessive amounts of cortisol. This can have harmful effects on other organs and on the ability of the body to regulate itself.

AN IMPORTANT HORMONE
Cushing’s occurs in dogs who are producing excessive amounts of cortisol, an important hormone that helps to regulate the body’s metabolism.

Cortisol plays a vital role in protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism and is released into the bloodstream at times of stress to prepare the body for a flight or fight response.

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands – two small glands located in the abdomen, next to each kidney. A hormone called ACTH controls the production and release of cortisol from the adrenal glands. ACTH itself is produced by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain.

The concentration of cortisol in the blood of healthy animals varies greatly as the body’s demand for cortisol fluctuates. For example, during a period of anxiety or illness, it is normal for the adrenal glands to increase their production of cortisol. Once this period of stress has passed, the cortisol concentration in the blood returns back to normal.

CORTISOL OVERPRODUCTION
In dogs with Cushing’s syndrome, there is a chronic overproduction of cortisol over weeks and months. Although the concentration of cortisol in the blood of a dog with Cushing’s also fluctuates greatly, it tends to be, on average, much higher than in healthy dogs. The excessive amount of cortisol released into the bloodstream has a harmful effect on the function of many organs and the body’s metabolism.

Q: can anyone help with cushings in dogs?
my dog has cushings and i have been told by a vet the best thing to do is put her to sleep she is 13years old and so tired all the time i dont know wot to do as i dont want to give up on her but her liver is already enlarged already an can anyone help

A: Cushings actually has very little to do with the liver, so if her liver is enlarged, it’s probably because of something else. Treating a dog with cushings when she already has other issues can be tricky, and if your dog is already very sick it may be hard. I would find an internal medicine specialist to help you and get a second opinion. You may be able to help her but like I said- liver issues in an old dog with cushings may not be a great combination. The others are right about cushings- it is very treatable and treatment is usually very successful. Liver problems is another story. Do you know what kind of issue she has?

Q: My dog has cushings disease and needs to go under anaesthetic, how high are the risks?
He’s 12 (nearly 13) years old and we’ve been told he has really bad teeth and needs to go under anaesthetic to have some removed. I’m worried about the risks of putting him under anaesthetic – I know the risks are higher in older dogs anyway but with his cushings I’m really worried.

A: Several years ago a mercenary vet said that my dog had cushings disease. I was told that she should be admitted for blood tests to establish if she could cope with anaesthetic for an operation. She did not need an op and I knew that she did not have cushings disease. I ignored her advise.

If your dog has bad teeth he needs to have them removed. In spite of the advise that I was give by a mercenary vet, I think that a blood test will establish if he can cope with an anaesthetic.

If you trust your vet and you know that he has cushings disease don’t be too concerned. The small amount of anaesthetic that he need to have his teeth removed is minimal. If you have any fears, get a second opinion.

Q: Synulox,is it safe for Cushings Dogs?
My lovely little Cushings & Diabetic dog is doing well,after 18 months ,on vitamins,minerals,Caninsulin,Trillostane and lots of love.She has an abcess on a front Paw,lanced and seemed OK,but returned a week later..so lanced again,now he has given Synulox (and Metacam,BUT wont´d give Metacam,as it´s a NSAID).

A: It is an antibiotic that contains penicillin and clavulanic (clavamox). Best used to treat lung and/or nasal, dental, or urinary infections .Under a doctors supervision it should be safe. Good luck with your baby and cushings.

Q: My dogs been diagnosed with Cushings disease, any herbal remedies etc that may help with symptoms?

A: There are no herbal remedies for this disease – the hormone that causes cushing’s disease regulates all sorts of things in the body, and the only way to cure it is to reduce the amount of hormone production.

Dogs respond much better than people to medication given for cushing’s disease. Several drugs are available. In some cases, surgery corrects the problem. You are not doing your dog a favor by seeking alternative treatments for this disease – this condition makes a dog very uncomfortable, which is probably much worse than any discomfort caused by medication that cures the problem.

Q: Cushings syndrome in dogs?
Hi, my 14 year old dog has just been diagnosed with cushings syndrome. I was wondering if anybody else has had dealings with this, and how effective the treatment can be and what to expect, Thanks in advance

A: PetAlive Cushex Drops

Q: Most likely my dog has cushings disease. Are there any home remedies that can help?
My dog hasn’t been diagnosed with cushings yet, but the vet thinks he has it and it’s too early to be seen on a test. I’ve done research and agree. All the signs point to cushings. Is there anything I can do to help him while I am “waiting” for this disease to progress and show up on test results?
Any opinions on PetAlive’s Cushex? It is a holistic, all natural, “remedy” for cushings.

A: Not really,,
Even when diagnosed treatment for cushings often worse than the diease,, so not treated,,
on a side note sex hormone secreation,, is a issue sometimes confused with cushing(early) melatonin supplemtation helps sometimes with this condition.. need a specific dosage,, but is a reasonably safe thing to try,, as the vet,,
Nutrition,,
A diet that supports, is developed for kidney/liver and cardiac issues would not be a bad idea..Low sodium diet, can help, because fluid retention and hypertention and liver function issues,, are problems with cushings..
Milk thistle again need dosage from vet,, may also be helpfull or not but like melatonin is a safe supplement.

Best idea,, get the ACTH test done,, get a definitive diagnosis even in early stages this particular test is generally diagnostic,, although expensive,,
Other signs,, increase in ALKP, bright liver on ultrasound,, and or enlarged adrenal glands on ultrasound, coat changes pot belly, PU/PD drinking peeing a lot more are all suggestive,, even a low dose dexamethazone test is not conlusive in all cases,, so just go with the ACTH STIM test,,

Amanda

Q: My dogs fur is getting thin patches , he has been tested for cushings and doesnt have it any ideas?
he has been tested for hypothyroid disease as well, is their anything I can do to get his fur to look more healthier

A: how old is your dog ? i ask because I had a dog that when he was 14-15 years old really started to get thin hair

Next, have you changed his food lately ? if you have, try changing back or just changing to something with more protein.

Last, if none of that sounds like it could be the problem, I’d suggest having the vet do a blood test to check for potential problems. they can learn a lot from an overall blood count test.

Q: Anyone have a dog with Cushings Disease?
My dog is going to the vet because she is starting to show symptoms – she is very old too. I am aware that this is more common in elderly dogs, however any dog could get Cushings. Does anyone have a dog with this disease and how have you dealt with it. My dog is still acting normal, but she consumes tons of water and she eats faster than my young dog. I am just curious to how other people have coped with it?

A: My old dog had diabetes, but my cousin’s boxer was diagnosed with Cushings around the same time.
He was very sick before he was diagnosed- lost alot of hair and had sores and lumps all over him.
Since the diagnosis and treatment- he has been a completely different dog- looks completely healthy- and hasnt had many health issues.
I think he has had a couple of lumps removed- but that is about it.

The symptoms of Cushings can vary greatly, because the disease affects the brain- so there is no way of telling exactly how your dog will react to the disease.

What has your vet done to diagnose your dog? It sounds very similar to the symptoms of diabetes- my dog drank heaps and urinated constantly- and she would eat more because her body wasnt processing the food properly. Diabetes in my opinion, is much harder to treat because it is hard to manage, and very difficult to maintain dogs with a diagnosis- but then, it depends on the dog.

Definately do the tests, and find out what your dog has- otherwise it can get really stressful worrying about what your dog might have- when it could be something really simple. Good luck with him!

Q: Can Cushings disease in dogs cause only extreme hunger without extreme thirst?
My shitzu x maltese 11 year old normally fit dog has become distructive to get to food – unusual behaviour for him (knocking over bins, getting up on bed side tables to knock down food etc).

I first thought this was because he was jealous of the extra attention my newly blind diabetic 12 year old dog was getting, but no matter how much attention I give my hungry boy he is not satisfied.

I thought Cushings disease presented itself with severe thirst along with extreme hunger?

He has also pot bellied, but I put this down to not knowing how much he was getting out of bins and stealing etc. Some times my husband picks up the bin, some times I do.. so it was hard to guage.

Any help?
PS He doesn’t seem to be drinking any more water than usual
People are so judgeMENTAL
Yes I will take him to the vet, however after spending over 4 thousand dollars since October last year treating my other dog with diabetes you can perhaps understand a little double checking first. Both dogs are equally loved.

A: Not all dogs show every symptom of Cushing’s disease. If you are noticing a new behavior in your dog, a vet checkup is always a good idea.

However, not every dog with an insatiable appetite has Cushing’s, and though the pot belly could be due to Cushing’s, it could also just be from overeating. But the vet can do some tests to check for Cushing’s so you’ll know for sure.

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