11 y/o border collie - possible Cushing's

[Blues]

Not sure how this site works so..... I am posting this
I think my border collie -age 11 and 70 lbs has cushings
I recently lost my job due to medical issues so having a hard time with vet bills. Took her in and did initial blood work ( $300) told me she must come in for stay in the clinic for more testing(+$300 more) usually money is Not an issue. I paid several thousand to rehab her for paralyzingly injury that she recovered from nicely but now I am financially struggling. I am very interested in the raw diet and doing a more holistic approach! I was wondering what is the best kibble until I can slowly transition her diet to raw. I know high protein, Low fat and how to read labels. I need to know what the amounts should be. As in 25 grams protein. What company is the best to use.? I read blue buffalo has a toxic preservative! Everything I read suggests something different. Please help my heart is breaking. Also where do you get recipes for raw diet for cushings

[Budsters Mom]

Hello and welcome:)
You have come to the right place! There are many K9Cushing's angels standing by to help and stay with you every step of the way. They love details, test results, any information you can get your hands on. The more the better. We will do all we can to help, but be ready for lots of questions! Others will be dropping in shortly to welcome you also So again, welcome to you and your fur baby. :)

[spdd]

Welcome to the forum. I can't give advice, I'm not knowledgeable enough but I do have one suggestion for you.

When my dog was being tested specifically the ACTH test, I didn't keep him at the vets and saved some money, as my vet charged to board him between samples. I was close so I took him home between testings. It could save you a bit.

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi and welcome to you and your baby! :)

I understand you situation, many here do. There are some things that may help with the finances and you can find these in our Helpful Resource section.

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=10

As the diagnosis is confirmed, the cost will go down - testing is the expensive part. We can help you price the med your vet wants to use, IF this is Cushing's. It would help us if you could tell us what you are seeing - any changes in behavior like eating, drinking, peeing, sleeping, moods, etc. Has your baby had any blood work done that shows things like ALP, BUN, CHOL, etc? If so, would you post the abnormal values, too high or too low, here in his thread? Also get copies of that initial test and post those results. We can help you look at them and interpret what they may mean.

Diet - cush pups need low fat, moderate protein diets. I am NOT a proponent of raw feeding anytime but especially not for a pup who is already having problems...and certainly not while that problem remains unidentified. There are circumstances in which raw may be the way to go, but for me, it will be the last resort. You will find that our members, just like anywhere else, are not in agreement on diet, especially raw feeding. The key to diet for our babies is very simple - it is what works best FOR THEM - not what works best for someone else's baby. Also, changing diets during a diagnostic phase is not wise. It can cause some things to change that can cloud the picture so it is always best to keep feeding what you are until the diagnosis is confirmed and the treatment is settled in. THEN you can look at changing feed if needed. But only if NEEDED, not because someone or something you read says you should feed such-n-such. ;) And if you want a specific diet using specific weights as in grams, you would need to work with a veterinary nutritionist or consultant to make sure what you are feeding is balanced.

I'm glad you found us and look forward to seeing those test results and learning more about you both. Take a deep breath and try to relax a bit. You and your baby are home, now. You are part of our family here and we will be with you all the way.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[goldengirl88]

Hi:
Welcome to the forum. I just wanted to chime in and say although raw diets may have their place and can be good for some, with a Cush dog having immunity problems and being prone to infections I think you are inviting trouble. Everyone feeds different things to their dogs on here. After speaking to a nutritionist the best thing for cush dogs is moderate protein, not high protein, and low density/low fat. I know you said money is an issue so please go to a vet very experienced in Cushings to save money, time and heartache. Most vets have not even treated Cushings, and don't even understand a lot about it. The people on here are very experienced with this disease. Please get your LDDS and ACTH testing done. Post the numbers on here to get help on what to do. Know up front there is no natural product that works on Cushings, only the Ttilostane, or Lysodren keep it under control. Make a daily doggie diary of your dog you will need it. If you use Trilostane or Vetoryl start at the lowest dose recommended for you dog no matter what. This will allow them to adjust to the drug, you can always increase it. Keep prednisone on hand in case your dogs cortisol goes too low and you need it. If you use Lysodren someone else will have to guide you as I have no experience with that. As Leslie said the cost will lessen. I know that doesn't mean a heck of a lot when your funds are low. You can apply for Care Credit ahead of time, in the event of an emergency or you have no funds you will still be able to treat your dog. If you watch you dog diligently you dog should do fine, and live out it's life. Blessings
Patti

[Woodydog]

Hi and welcome to you and your furbaby. I too am new here and going through the same thing although Woody tested negative for cushings on Friday.

I also thought that I would change his diet before I did the LDDS/ACTH testing but on discussion with my vet he recommended I didn,t do it as like Squirts Mum said it may change the results. Also Woody,s annual vacs were due 5 weeks ago and again my vet advised against it as this could interfere as well.

[Blues]

Thank you. Will get blood work that I just had done and post She has all the symptoms: belly distention, fur spots, panting and excessive thirst. She was having accidents and the vet put her on antibiotic -her fur and urination cleared up. I am using a medicated shampoo and washing her weekly. Her energy is decreased but she also has hip issues. I read that if I get her cortisol under controller - she will then feel pain. she still has a hip and leg issues and I was concerned about this

[FemaleK9]

I thought my beagle was getting arthritic because she started having difficulty jumping into the car, for instance. But it turns out that hind leg weakness is one of the effects of Cushing's. My Rosie has been on Vetoryl (trilostane) for a little over a month now and so far has no sign of pain, and even seems to be getting some of her strength back in her hind legs. So I'm pretty sure she never had arthritis or hip problems at all, just the Cushing's.

Is it possible that could be the case with your dog, too? Or has the condition been confirmed - by X-rays, for instance?

[Blues]

3 years ago during a severe thunder storm she slipped on our wooden steps. She could not move her back end off the floor and had no use of her legs. Was told by vet and vet neuro doctor to put her down. I massaged her Dailey and rehabbed her back to walking. She still has a bad leg but can walk and was even running until this hit. That is why I am worried about the pain. I will get the test -

I just have to save the money first