10 year old Boston Terrier, possible Cushing's?

[Jordyn]

I have a Boston Terrier that just turned 10 this August. He weighs about 25 pounds, and his weight will sometimes fluctuate to a pound up or a pound down. He's having blood drawn tomorrow morning to see if he has Cushing's disease. The only symptoms he has is a minor pot belly and panting. My mom seems to think he has the drinking problem, too, but when I watch him he only drinks a slight amount more than our other two dogs. He doesn't have any medical problems and is in a great mood (plays with toys and hops for treats). Does this sound like Cushing's to you? And if so, do you think my vet will treat him for it, when his symptoms aren't bad? I've heard so many horror stories about Lysodren and bad stories about Cushing's. Is it true that there isn't that much hope? That he'll eventually become so sick by the medication that we'll have to put him down? What is the success rate with Lysodren or any of the others? Or would I be better to go the holistic route where there aren't side effects that would make him sicker than panting?

Oh, he's been treated for kidneys and diabetes and all came back negative. His heart and lungs are nothing to worry about, either.

[BestBuddy]

Hi and welcome,

I hope it isn't cushings but if it is there is hope. Yes there are a lot of sad/bad stories but there are plenty of good ones too. Getting the right diagnosis is really important do you know the name of the test being done?

Jenny

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome from me and my boy Harley! I am so glad you found this fourm and we will help you in any way we can.

First and foremost Cushing's is NOT a death sentence as long as the pup has a proper diagnosis and then is being treated and controlled by either Lysodren/Mitotane or Trilostane/Vetoryl. When a pup is on either of the meds this pup can live out a normal lifespan.

IMO, either medication is safe when monitored appropriately and with owner observation and each med can have similar adverse effects. So "owner observation" is always a crucial component of treatment.

Each has it's pros and cons, they work differently, they are both safe when monitored appropriately, yet they both can have the same and serious risks and adverse effects

One or the other may work better for an individual dog.

Another important consideration is the degree of experience your vet has with whatever treatment he/she chooses. Cushing's requires a good partnership with one's vet.

Strong symptoms are a huge part of making the diagnosis, and a Cushing's savvy vet will not initiate any treatment without strong symptoms and a proper diagnosis. Not one test can confirm cushings or the type of cushings, thats why you need a qualified GP or IMS for this disease.

Please remember we are here for you so ask all the questions you want and we will answer them the best way we can, ok?

Love and hugs,
Lori

[StarDeb55]

Welcome from me & mine, too! Lori has already given you some excellent input about the best way to treat & monitor Cushing's. I just want to tell you that my first Cushpup, Barkley, was diagnosed when he was about 7, treated quite successfully with lysodren for nearly 8 years, crossing the bridge at 15. I, also, have a Harley who is taking lysodren. He was diagnosed about 2 1/2 years ago & is doing well. Yes, I'm very lucky & have had 2 pups with Cushing's. Let me emphasize one of the points Lori made, the key to using either drug, trilostane or lysodren, is following appropriate protocols for dosage & monitoring. The most important thing of all is to have a vet who is very experienced in treating Cushing's pups.

One suggestion, when you get the results of the test that is being done today, ask your vet for a copy of the report, so you can post the actual numbers for us. We always like to see the results as we have had too many instances of pups being mis-diagnosed. Since you say that kidney & diabetes has been ruled out, it sounds like general bloodwork has been done, such as a senior wellness panel or super chemistry panel. If you can get a copy of those results, please post only the abnormals, along with normal range & reporting units. There a common abnormalities, especially in the liver function tests, that will often clue a vet to take a look at Cushing's. As you can see, we will be asking a lot of questions, but that just helps us to give you the most appropriate feedback possible from the group's collective experience.

One last thing, when you ask about holistic treatment, most of these holistic meds, may help with symptom control, but do very little to help with the real problem which is the overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Please totally avoid some of these products you find on the internet such as Cushex drops or Supraglan, as they are a complete scam & rip-off.

Looking forward to hearing more.
Debbie

[littleone1]

Corky and I also want to welcome you and your furbaby.

Corky is a 13 year old Boston Terrier, and was diagnosed with Cushings when he was 12. He is being treated with Trilostane, and has now been on this for 11 months. Corky had all of the clinical signs, but once he started on the Trilo, the clinical signs did go away. His quality of life is so much better now.

You have gotten alot of good information from other members on the forum. I know that I would have been lost without all of the members here. I was scared to death when I got all of the results on Corky.

I'm wishing you the very best.

Terri

[addy]

Welcome!

Cushings is a puzzle even after diagnosis. I went through UC:CR test, ultra sound, blood serum test, blood chem test, gastro panel, ultra sound, urinalysis and ACTH test and full adrenal panel at Univ. Tenn. I did not do the low dose dex test as I knew my Zoe could not handle the stress. Since Zoe had a colitis flare up I had to fix that first, I had to take her off her supplements from holistic vet, gosh, it seems like so much when I look back and we still have not started treatment except for melatonin and lignans. If she stays healthy and symptoms do not worsen, she will be retested in Nov.

Point is don't start treament without strong symptoms and make sure of the diagnosis as best you can.

We have such a wealth of knowledge and experience with our members and such wonderful moral support. You truly have found a one of a kind group.:)

Again, welcome:)

Addy

[Jordyn]

Great news everyone! My vet just called back and said that he tested negative for Cushing's! Like I said, we took him there yesterday (early, early) for bloodwork and he was there for about 2 hours. They did that ATHC test (spell check) I saw, and a bunch of others, but I can't remember them, sorry. But he's negative and is actually perfectly healthy!

[Roxee's Dad]

Woo Hoo :D Glad you got the good news. :D

Did the vet say what may be causing the panting? We would love to see the results of the test that the vet performed. Would you mind posting them here?

[Jordyn]

My dog has anxiety and gets nervous/stressed out really easy, so that's probably it.

[caroleh]

Hi Jordyn:

Welcome from Fritz and me. I know how you feel in being confused about Cushings. My Schnauzer Fritz is like your your baby. I honestly don't think Fritz has Cushings and I am curious as to how your vet explained the panting as that seems to be the only symptom that Fritz has right now that would lead me to believe he could possibly have Cushings.

Good luck with your baby and how nice to know that he is Cushings free

Carole

[apollo6]

Dear Jordan
Welcome from Sonja and Apollo.
There is always hope.;) Apollo will be 12 in October, diagnosed in September 2009. He is still here and I will not give up on him.:mad:
Like everyone says, read up about cushing first, get the tests needed let us know,post. Cushing is a tricky disease it can mask other aliments. Give us your angel's weight. etc.
We are here for you.
Hugs from Sonja and Apollo.