Cushing's disease in a 4-year-old dog

Hi, my dog has just been diagnosed with Cushing's disease. She’s 14 years old, she’s drinking loads and having accidents everywhere—which I know is part of it—but she’s also refusing most of her food, whining all the time, and she’s so restless, she just can't seem to settle. I lost my husband to cancer a year ago. I see people talking about medication costing around £70 and follow-up appointments running into several hundred pounds. I’m struggling; I’m 66 with a pension of about £950, and with the funeral costs, the solicitor’s fees... well, I just can’t afford it. What’s going to happen to my little girl??? Please, I need some advice. Cathie

Hi everyone, Has anyone else here had a dog diagnosed with Cushing’s disease before they turned 10? If so, could you share your experiences regarding how the condition progressed, the treatment used, etc.? Thanks

Hi Cat36, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. I hope you’re holding up okay; it’s such a difficult thing to go through. My Bichon is 16 and is currently being diagnosed with this condition. It’s really encouraging to read that your senior dog handled the treatment so well. But you mentioned that it can take a toll on the liver and kidneys, and my boy already has kidney failure; his liver values weren’t great in his results this week either. Because of that, I’m really wondering what my vet will be able to offer... Like yours, his coat looks different now, he’s lost a lot of muscle mass in his hindquarters, and he’s had two strokes in five months. I didn’t realise you could buy medication from abroad. I’m Portuguese, and although I don’t go back home much now, I might be able to find a way. How does it work if you want to get medication from over there with a UK prescription? Have a lovely day

Hi Tatoo68, my dog isn't a candidate for surgery either. How old is your Bichon? What symptoms are they showing? The side effects of the medication include vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy; some dogs don't tolerate it at all and, in the worst cases, it can eventually be fatal. Plus, they rarely get the dosage right the first time... I'm sure they mentioned the follow-ups every three months for more blood tests to see if the dose needs adjusting. Apparently, there are a lot of ups and downs with this condition. I've spoken to three different vets and they all say the same thing. It's very rare for a dog to have this illness so young. One vet is monitoring a Yorkie who has been doing perfectly fine without treatment for several years, with only some issues with its coat. Sometimes the condition can stabilise on its own, but unfortunately, that’s very rare. What worries me most is that my dog is so young and full of life; I’m scared that by starting this treatment, I’ll make her tired and ill overnight when she’s actually doing fine right now. But then again, there's the risk that other things could deteriorate quite quickly. I’m really at a loss... please let me know how your little one is getting on. See you soon. Hi Emma, My Bichon is a little old man of 16. For now, his symptoms are changes to his coat, and he’s lost just over 4 lbs in three months. He's having trouble eating even though he still has an appetite... the trouble is that some of these symptoms are also down to other health problems. The side effects of the medicine are dreadful! I don't know what the treatment plan will be just yet. He’s having another test in a week which will confirm his condition. Honestly, it’s so tough. I’m asking myself the same things as you. Your dog is young, she might become lethargic, and that’s heartbreaking (I’ve seen my dog go through that). My dog is old and already quite frail—do I really want to risk making his final months more difficult because of a drug? I don't have any easy answers for you, I’m afraid. But I’ll check back in once I’ve had the treatment proposal for my Bichon.