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Has anyone had a pet with cushings diease? I had posted a few weeks ago about Bandit's loss of eye sight due to reina tear in one eye. Went to vet's for blood work and now this. If anyone has gone through this diease please let me know your results and/or what you did. Thank you.
Carolyn

I had a dog on prednisone long term - the side effects mimic Cushings, but that isn't the same as the disease. Moon face, thirst, weight gain etc.

What did the vet say as to management of the illness?

There are a couple of meds that can be used. Both very expensive and then it would require blood work done weekly. I've done research and it can't be cured...it can prolong life for awhile. I have had talked with a couple of people who have had dogs with this and the opinion was quality of life over quantity. My head tells me what is the right thing to do but my heart isn't in agreement. He's ten years old and has had a very good life up to this point!

My friends lost their Akita to Cushings Kubby was an older pupper and lived a very long life...but her last two years were really bad

Carolyn, I haven't commented on this thread yet as I have never had a dog with Cushings Disease so thought I had nothing to add but, after viewing your last post, I do have something to add.

I have been in your position many times - that of trying to be a responsible pet owner of a beloved family member who also happens to be a member of the four-legged variety - who has a serious illness and it is up to us how to handle it. In fact, I'm dealing with it right now with Beets, my 19+ year old cat who has renal failure which is untreatable....

I think the key point is your statement "My head tells me what is the right thing to do but my heart isn't in agreement." Until the two reach agreement AND AS LONG AS Bandit isn't suffering, follow your heart and keep him near by. The time will come when both your head and heart agree, that will be soon enough to make the decision you are dreading. Until then, keep him close and cherish the time you have left together.

Sometimes, they surprise us ~ I posted my thread about Beets in August last year; now it's February and she is still here. No better, no worse. Don't make a decision until both your head and heart agree. Sending good thoughts....

When my heart and mind were in agreement, I took my shepherd/lab to the vet only to be told that it wasn't time yet, that she was still enjoying life. I was very thankful for my vet. She died a couple of weeks later at home, happy to the end. So far, I've been lucky. Her sister also died at home about two years earlier. They had both lived to age 15+ and I was able to get their bodies to the vet myself for cremation. I am older now, so I don't think I'll ever have dogs that big again for that very reason. I am not opposed to making the ultimate decision, but I am also glad that so far my beloved pets have made the decision themselves and were able to live their last moments at home.

I know I'm coming late to this discussion and you have already said goodbye to Bandit.

For those who may be facing a diagnosis of Cushings I would like to suggest a website called k9cushings.com. So many people have dealt with this disease in different ways, and some have prolonged the lives of their pets.

It does involve being proactive, doing lots of homework, and be willing to stand up to your vet re: dosage of rx, etc.

Sadly, most dogs with Cushings are older and have other health issues which complicate things. My Lady was first diagnosed with Cushings about 18 months ago. It was a strange situation that changed into Addison's disease, the opposite of Cushings, and much easier to treat.

I hope this is of help to anyone looking for info.

Again, I'm very sorry for your loss.