Endings for Untreated Cushings in Dogs

[SpartacusGeorge]

My 14.5 yr old beagle was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease a few months ago. He is nearly blind and deaf already - we decided not to put him through the treatment. My question is how do most older dogs with untreated Cushing's begin to fail? I would really like to minimize any suffering in his final days. Right now, I am red-flagging every little twitch and thinking if I knew what to expect, I could calm down a little and hopefully not send any frightened messages to Spartacus. He is currently on Proin to control his urine accidents and that has worked for a few months now. Would just really prefer to look at him with joy rather than fear these days. Thanks, in advance, for your knowledge & stories.

[patsy7]

I think your being a little judgmental all these people do the best they could do ,we are a last stages with our 11 year old Shid Tzu ,we are retire and Cushing is a expensive disease be a little kinder in when you make a comment about  ! glad the family could make a sacrifice not everyone can do that and they love there pets just as much. Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about ! Be kind always that include dog owners.

[patsy7]

I think your being a little judgmental all these people do the best they could do ,we are a last stages with our 11 year old Shid Tzu ,we are retire and Cushing is a expensive disease be a little kinder in when you make a comment about  ! glad the family could make a sacafice not everyone can do that and they love there pets just as much. Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about ! Be kind always that include dog owners.

[patsy7]

I think your being a little judgmental all these people do the best they could do ,we are a last stages with our 11 year old Shid Tzu ,we are retire and Cushing is a expensive disease be a little kinder in when you make a comment about  ! glad the family could make a sacrifice not everyone can do that and they love there pets just as much. Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about ! Be kind always that include dog owners.

[Chloebaby1]

My 11 year old Mini Schnauzer probably has Cushings.  She had signs a couple years ago and was tested.  To our surprise, me and the vet, she did not have Cushings.  She is showing signs again; panting, back legs shaking, pot belly, increased appetite, urinating in the hous, and skin issues.  I don't really want to test her again and not even sure I would treat it.  Yet I feel guilty not testing and treating.  She still enjoys her short walks even though her back legs shake.  She seems to be affected some time but not other times.  She was urinating in the house and drinking a lot but now is not.  Is this common with untreated Cushings?  I just don't know what to do.  It isn't really a financial issue as much as a quality of life.  I'm sure I could find a way to pay for it all but it seems the treatment can be bad as well.  After reading about the meds they may treat the Cushings but their side effects are just as awful.  Please help.  I'd love to hear more from those of you that decided not to treat Cushings.

[lindapalm]

I wish you luck tomorrow,Robin.   Here's hoping its not Cushings.

[MaxTheBeagleFromLewes]

Max, almost 10 year old Beagle, has some classic Cushing's signs: pot belly, excessive panting, excessive thirst/urination, doggie pimples. He is a 15" beagle and overweight, about 38 lbs. and has hurt himself on a few occasions jumping off beds or couches. The eternal diet and walk routine has not lowered his weight. Lately, all access to high surfaces such as beds has been closed off. Today I came home and he had torn the bed sheets to shreds and urinated in the bed (my fault b/c the bedroom door was left ajar!). Presumably, he is afraid to jump off high surfaces since injuries. But peeing the bed is a first. Again, I blame myself! His vet appointment is tomorrow morning, and I suspect a long road of tests, meds, costs, quality of life decisions.  Thank you all for these posts. It helps to know you are not alone.  Loving our children together, Robin.