Whippetsmum Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 (edited) Hi, Has anyone had experience with good diets, treatments or supplements, to help with Cushings? Are there any contra indicated foods or supplemenst for Cushings? A friend has a Tibetan Spaniel who has been diagnosed with Cushings via ultrasound. My friend does not have internet access, so I am trying to get some information to help her little dog. At present the dog has had several benign tumors removed from her skin, her coat is thinning and she has a pot belly, she gets very cranky so her mood is affecting her, and she has a ravenous appetite. I had a Whippet with Cushings a few years ago, so I was shocked that her vet told her it was nothing to worry about, gave her no diet advice, and gave her no cautions, also did not explain any of the related factors- skin, appetite, thinning hair, susceptability to infection etc, didn't suggest that there was any threat to her life or quality of life. What advice can I pass onto this friend, other than to consider a change in vet? So far I have suggested using veges to bulk out her food, to keep an eye on any sores she gets. Thanks in advance for any help Edited June 9, 2012 by Whippetsmum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loraine Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 My Coco (RIP) had Cushings. He was on Lysodren a chemo drug, but now the drug of choice is Trilostane. I was advised to make sure that meals were not too fatty. The thinning coat and pot belly are classic indications of Cushing's. If not treated it weakens all the muscles in the dog's body, not just those we can see (like leg weakness), but the heart and lungs and other internal organs. Coco also had problems getting to the loo, so chose the tiled laundry floor for peeing on :) , so I put down puppy mats for him. As it is some years since my Coco passed (mini poodle aged 15.5 yrs) I am not really up to speed with the latest treatments. It is not cheap thing to treat and I would take into consideration the age of the dog and the expected benefits of treatment. Coco was having blood tests every 3 months, in addition to his medication. I am not saying that money is more important that our dogs, but knowing that there is no cure for Cushings, sometimes it is just as well to leave out the meds and the blood testing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 What did the vet say they found with the ultrasound? Sounds as if a new thorough and caring vet is needed. I think dog needs blood and urine tests to find out exactly what is happening in his body ..., and IMO until those results are evaluated , the owner really has no idea what is wrong . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xyz Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 I have a 13 yo JRT who has been treated for cushings for around 2.5 years. He improved DRAMATICALLY since diagnosis and treatment started. Went from being cranky/incontinent/poor coat etc to a happy healthy boy. He is on Trilostane, and almost in remission. He has blood tests about every 3-6 months now- more earlier on. I didn't change anything with his diet, he only eats super-premium dry twice daily. I don't find it particularly expensive to treat, anyway his happy ness is worth it!! Your friends dog will need to have blood tests to 'properly' diagnose it then regular bloods/urine until they get the correct dose! Good luck to them-:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackieW Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 There's a yahoo group with an extensive amount of files and other info re Cushings and AI diseases. Not sure whether you'd want to join it on your friend's behalf, it used to be high volume when I was on it. http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/CanineCushings-AutoimmuneCare/?yguid=7813515 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whippetsmum Posted June 11, 2012 Author Share Posted June 11, 2012 What did the vet say they found with the ultrasound? Sounds as if a new thorough and caring vet is needed. I think dog needs blood and urine tests to find out exactly what is happening in his body ..., and IMO until those results are evaluated , the owner really has no idea what is wrong . I have suggested my friend take their dog elsewhere, the same Vet was ready 8 months ago to do knee surgery when the same dog had been limping for 2 days! The vet referred to a different clinic for the Ultrasound, and along with other symptoms it does seem that it is Cushings ( one of mine,now gone, had Cushings). I have offered my Vets details, he is very thorough, and has had experience with Cushings. He seems to have good links with the Uni and Specialists. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 I hope their dog can be more comfortable soon , and that they get good treatment options :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
espinay2 Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 I recommend getting a copy of 'Dogs Diet and Disease' by Caroline Levin http://www.petcarebooks.com/books/ddad.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheridan Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Bumping up this topic as my darling Grumpy has been diagnosed with Cushings and is now on Trilostane. I am told and from my googling it takes a while to get the dosage right. I haven't noticed many side effects though he has become a bit wobblier. It will be 10 days on Thursday since he started on the medication and we'll be back at the vet to do the next round of testing. Grumpy does have weak back legs and I'm wondering how long it was before people saw any improvement? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Dog NZ Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Sheridan ... I was not a Trilo Mum - our dear Sabre was on Lysodren. From what I see on a forum I belong to and it really varies from dog to dog but generally the time frame is more in months not weeks. There are a few dogs on trilostane where rear hind weakness never seems to go away. The yahoo group has been mentioned ... the forum I am active on has great resources and knowledgable members - http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/. With regards to the diet ... one low in fat and high in protein is generally recommended. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheridan Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Thanks Red Dog NZ. I will look at that forum today. I noticed a few muscle spams this morning, particularly around his head. He has had a low fat diet for a while now because of pancreas issues (which of course we now know is part of the Cushings). He does have some complicating kidney issues which will mean a high protein diet may not be the best. He is on a fish and fish kibble diet currently as he can't have chicken and various other protein sources. He does very well on Woolies home brand sardines! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheridan Posted July 23, 2012 Share Posted July 23, 2012 Yes, I can see how helpful that forum is ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Dog NZ Posted July 23, 2012 Share Posted July 23, 2012 Sheridan ... yes I thought others would have posted to your thread. It has been a very busy time on the site with a lot of new members in the past few weeks. I have bumped up your thread and also have asked the moderators and administrators to comment if they are able to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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