[Fresia]

My Springer mix has been deteriorating and finally discovered after more tests than can count, that it is Cushing's Disease, pituitary. I have been doing research and some of the medications are really potent (chemo drugs) killing the adrenal cortex cells and Anipryl only works in 15% of those affected by the pituitary specifically (One study even showed no effects.) The vet wants to go with Lysodren for reasons I'm not going to list but said it was up to me. It just seems backward not to go after the pituitary, as it is causing the problem than to start killing off the adrenals and makes me very nervous. I wondered what if anyone's experiences were with any of the meds.

[Fresia]

So I guess this is FYI for anyone else who comes across Cushing's, heaven forbid...
After a lot of research over the last few days, I see why the vet recommended Lysodren. Better history with consistent results. It seems Lysodren, though a potent chemo drug, has immediate effects if carefully dosed and monitored so it does not send him into Addison's disease (the reverse of Cushing's.) Lysodren is moderately priced compared to the other treatments; vet said to price pharmacies and cheapest was $6 a tab at Walmart. They gave me predinose to have on hand if there is a reaction; I so hope not. So he will have to be very closely monitored over the next days with strict instructions as to what to look for: weakness, decreased appetite, decreased drinking, n/v, diarrhea, which are very real possibilities not just just 'perhaps' side-effects' like some meds. They will be the indications it is time to stop the med. He will then get tested to see how it went and be put on 1-2 tabs a week for life thereafter.

I am worried about the disease and the treatment. The vet says it is very promising and easily treatable. For some reason, don't feel so sure. Please wish us luck.

[Rohag]

Lost "Soul" -- the dog in my avatar -- to Cushing's this past May. Heartbreaking.

May your friend escape what we couldn't.

[Fresia]

Rohag, Beautiful pup, always loved your avatar and that it is a loved one, so special. I am so sorry for your loss!

I am angry at this disease and the treatment options, damned if do and damned if don't. Such a toll on the body but his spirits are still good. So I'll see how it goes with treatment, just have bad feeling despite what the vet says. He is so sick.

[Skully]

This is something I am afraid of with my little guy skully, he has diabetes and that will go hand in hand with cushings. Keep me posted on how your doggie is doing
And I am so sorry, my little guy was very sick when we found the diabetes and the vet said he wouldn't live through the night....that was a year ago! He is fine and health today so don't give up hope. I know many people on the diabetes group i get email from whose pets have cushings and live a healthy normal life.