Hi Joan,

Based on the labs you shared I would not be looking at Cushing's first but the liver and pancreas...and immediately. The ALT indicates liver damage; the ALT represents dying cells that happen when the liver has been damaged from injury, disease, medication, etc. The ALP is reading living cells and that tells us how hard the liver is working. This value can raise and lower often depending on the stress the liver is experiencing at the time of the testing. But the ALT is concerning to me. The Precision PSL is specific to the pancreas and usually indicates pancreatitis is in the works.

If I were you, I would focus on 1- getting the weight off asap; 2 - the pancreas; 3 - the liver. The excess weight is going to put pressure on the diaphragm making it more difficult to breath ( I know....I'm fat! LOL). The excess weight puts extra strain on the liver and the pancreas. So I would get him on a low fat/calorie food, low fat/calorie treats given on rare occasions, and NOTHING extra plus daily walks at least once a day. Or swimming in the tub...something physical to get the weight down. You may find some of the changes you are seeing are directly related to the weight gain. One pound in a dog Cooper's size is a huge gain.

You are right...his anxiety level will make it difficult to get an accurate reading on any of the blood tests for Cushing's (ACTH and LDDS). If it is determined that the liver and pancreas are ok and the weight loss doesn't bring many resolutions to the signs you are seeing now then that might mean testing for Cushing's will happen. If so, I would talk to his vet and make arrangements for you to be present every time they take blood or give an injection AND that you can take him out of the office/clinic between. I don't know but am concerned that any medication to calm him might also impact the testing but in the other direction so that would be something else to talk to the vet about. Or someone else here might know the answer....sadly I don't.

You are doing a great job as always so don't be hard on yourself. Cooper is a lucky boy to have you as his mom.

Hugs,
Leslie