Cushings Disease

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AnuShelties

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Hello fellow Sheltie lovers. It's been a while since I've been on this forum, and I need some support from those who have gone through what I'm about to go through as well as what I have gone through. I have a 13 y/o (will be 14 at the end of August) that was recently diagnosed with Cushings, and I'm scared about it.

Does the medication have any negative side-effects I should look for (long term or short term)?

If you have/had a pup that was diagnosed, has your sheltie exhibited signs of dementia? I can't find any medical symptoms that list it, but she has seemed to be in the middle of something, like tracking something in the yard or similar, and she'll just stop, like she's confused.... and just go back to the house.

This is the first time I have ever heard about cushings in dogs, so any expertise and advice is greatly appreciated.
 
I am sorry you have gotten a Cushing's dx for your little sheltie, but with treatment she can still have good quality time. I have had two senior dogs that had Cushing's (one dx'd at 14 and one at 11), the 14 year old had 18 months post dx and the 11 year old had almost 3 years. The standard treatment for pituitary based Cushing's is Lysodren and it does have to be very carefully monitored with regular bloodwork or there can be potentially very serious side effects...namely Addison's disease. There are other medications used, but to date none that seem to have as good a track record as Lysodren.

Depending on your little one's overall health and her ability to handle medication, it is important if possible to get the Cushing's under control. Uncontrolled Cushing's can lead to diabetes and heart issues.

Rather than have too long a post, I am adding an excellent site that covers Cushing's from symptoms, testing, type (Cushing's can be either pituitary based 85% or adrenal based and treatment is different depending on the type), all possible medications and their pros and cons, necessary protocol for bloodwork, etc.
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/cushing's (hope this link works...let me know if it doesn't)

I think a lot of your questions and concerns will be addressed by this site...but I will be happy to answer as best I can any questions you have...keeping in mind that I am NOT a vet...just a pet owner who has been through this 2x.

My best wishes to you and your little lass.

Trini
 
Hello Jennifer and to your sweet little furbaby. I have never gone through what you and your baby are or are about the go through. I just wanted to let you know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I pray the medication works well for your baby with no side effects to complete matters. Please keep us posted on the progress your baby is making. :fl
 
My boy had Cushings Disease. Daily Vetoryl capsules did a good job of stopping/reversing the symptoms. Here is information from the manufacturer of Vetoryl:

http://www.dechra-us.com/Cushings-Syndrome/Veterinarians/What-is-Cushings-Syndrome-1.aspx

(I think my vet started him at a dose lower than the starting dose recommended by the manufacture.)

If memory serves, excessive drinking/urination stopped fairly soon after he started taking the capsules. His already-dead fur continued to shed and shed and shed, but eventually grew back.

My boy died :( from causes unrelated to Cushings.
 
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