Herk, 11 y/o Maltese - Vetoryl

[makettle29]

Hi, My 11 year old Maltese, Herk, was diagnosed in January. We are doing ok (on Veterol) despite my worry that his tummy was getting big again. He seems to bloat a little then it goes away.

Just wondering if there is any agreement on diet for our dogs. I've been seeing a lot of info on "raw" diets and high protein diets. Anyone have success with this?

thanks, mary anna

[labblab]

Hello Mary Anna, and welcome to you and Herk! You'll see I've moved your post from our "Checking In" thread to our main discussion area here. This way, it'll be easier for our members to reply to you directly, now that you have a thread of your own.

We'd love to know more about Herk's overall health history, as well as the symptoms and testing that led to his Cushing's diagnosis. Can you tell us how much Vetoryl he's taking, and also the results of any recent monitoring testing of his cortisol level? All of this info will help us provide better feedback.

In the meantime, I'll copy an answer that I posted elsewhere to another member who asked about dietary suggestions. And hopefully you'll soon be receiving thoughts from other folks here, as well.

Recently, we've had several folks join us who have told us that they've read that raw diets are best for Cushpups, but I do not know where that info is coming from. I am unaware of any documented scientific studies that have established that any single type of feeding choice is better or worse for all dogs with Cushing's. Such studies may be out there, but I've not yet come across them.

In honesty, I can't say that during my decade spent on Cushing's forums, I have concluded that any one particular feeding style seems more suitable or more helpful for Cushpups. I am not a fan of raw feeding myself, but we do have folks who feed raw food. Other folks feed the whole range of commercial wet, commercial dry, and homecooked. We have seen dogs who have done very well on each type of food, and dogs who have had problems on each type of food. So my personal, nonscientific opinion is that there is not any single choice that is generally better or worse for this particular syndrome -- it all comes down to each individual dog's GI system and personal constellation of related or unrelated health issues.

The general recommendation I do often make is to serve a food that has a moderate level of good quality protein, and also lower levels of fat. Cushings can affect the kidneys in such a way that protein gets spilled into the urine. If a dog experiences significant and persistent urinary protein loss, then it's probably best not to include high levels of protein in the diet because this can worsen the abnormality. The rationale for the lower fat is due to the fact that Cushpups may have a higher vulnerability for developing pancreatitis, and higher fat diets may heighten this risk for some dogs. Note the use of the word "may" in this regard, because the research is not conclusive.

As far as my own recommendations, I really can't go beyond these generalities. But other folks may have some more specific thoughts to share with you. And we will certainly welcome any other, non-dietary thoughts or questions that you may also have about your dog and his possible Cushing's diagnosis.

Marianne

[DoxieMama]

Welcome Mary Anna and Herk! I am glad that he is doing well on the Vetoryl. It seems that dietary choices vary for dogs, whether they have Cushing's or not. As Marianne said, the only thing I've seen that seems rather consistent in regards to diet suggestions for dogs with Cushing's is to provide a moderate level of protein and lower levels of fat.

Shana

[molly muffin]

Hi and welcome from me too.

yes, as marianne and shana said, moderate protein and lower levels of fat is the better ratio no matter what kind of food you choose to feed.

[PennysDad]

We moved from the basic dog food to the slightly more expensive grain free stuff. The dogs love it and Penny has been healthy! Not sure what the levels are for ingredients. Honestly, with the $200/month in Meds or the cushings...we are already pulled a bit thin on our dog budget!

It will be interesting to see what people say about this.

[Squirt's Mom]

How is Herk doing? Did you decided to change his food and if so, to what?

[makettle29]

Hi everyone, just checking in. Herk has been on vetoryl for two years now. He's had a bad skin condition which I took him to a specialist for and it resolved, now he's pretty much deaf too. Recently he has lost a lot of hair and is loosing weight too. I can see his spine now and feel all his ribs. He still eats twice a day (science diet senior) which I occasionally amend with chicken or ground buffalo. He can't keep weight on. He seems to whine a lot and has no energy. I take him around with me in a buggy when he won't walk. Seems like it's all going down hill. He had his blood work done two months ago and it's all normal or just below, no reason to change his dosage according to my vet. Any ideas of how to make him comfortable? Should I take him back to the vet about the weight loss?

thanks, for any response.

[Squirt's Mom]

Yes, I would get him in asap to have his blood sugar checked (glucose levels). Diabetes can come on very quickly, seemingly overnite, and what you are describing would fit with diabetes....as well as some other conditions but this is one that needs to be ruled out asap. Or confirmed asap so treatment can start to regulate the glucose. So I would make an appt as soon as I could for that. Others may have additional thoughts to share so check back!

Hugs,
Leslie

[Squirt's Mom]

Oh...and VERY good to hear from you again and to hear your baby has been doing alright to this point.

[makettle29]

Oh...and VERY good to hear from you again and to hear your baby has been doing alright to this point.

Ok will call tomorrow first thing. love my little herk....