diet for dog with cushings disease & prevention of future flareups/infections with the liver?

Question

have a 16 yo dog with Cushing Disease being treated for 2 years, recently had vomiting, lose of appetite, lethargic, distended abdm. blood work show liver values at 1600, on atibiotics for 3 days receivd iv fluids and is feeling great. Vet is not sure what happened to cause this, ultrasound showed enlarged liver, gall bladder, diet has been vension/potatoe for years?

Answer 1

There is a very good site on yahoo groups :http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CanineCushings-AutoimmuneCare that have very knowledgeable people in it. In their file section, they have a diet and nutrtion section with sample diets, recommendations, etc etc....here's one that I found in that section:


NOTE: No specific recommendations have been established for Cushing's syndrome, but some
pragmatic suggestions can be made.


HYPERADRENOCORTICISM

"Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's syndrome) is characterized by excessive circulating concentrations of
cortisol. The excessive concentrations may be from endogenous or exogenous sources. The resulting
clinical signs are typical of cortisol action including polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, hepatomegaly,
panting, obesity with weight redistribution to the abdomen and muscle wasting. Accurate diagnosis of
primary disease and any underlying disorders (e.g., hypertension, pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus)
is important to successful resolution. Treatment should focus on alleviation of high circulating levels
of cortisol and management of secondary and underlying disease processes.

An adequate source of potable water should be available to sustain animals until polyuria/polydipsia
resolves. Because cortisol stimulates lipolysis and increases circulating concentrations of cholesterol
and triglycerides, recommending a food lower in fat (less than 12% DM) and moderate in crude fiber
(8 to 17% DM) is reasonable. In addition, a food low in fat and moderate in fiber may aid in weight loss
and control of mild hyperglycemia (glucose concentrations between 120 and 180 mg/dl) in dogs with
glucocorticoid-induced carbohydrate intolerance. Protein should be highly digestible (greater than 85%)
and meet AAFCO recommendations for adult maintenance to compensate for muscle wasting
associated with this disease. Cortisol may also affect mineral (i.e., increased calcium excretion) and
vitamin metabolism; therefore, a food that meets AAFCO allowances for adult dogs should be used.
Foods that avoid excessive levels of sodium and chloride are recommended if hypertension is present.


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Source:
Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th Edition
Michael S. Hand, DVM, PhD; Craig D. Thatcher, DVM, MS, PhD; Rebecca L. Remillard, PhD, DVM;
Philip Roudebush, DVM

Answer 2

There are certain hormonal problems that can also cause a dog to be excessively thirsty such as Cushing Syndrome, Diabetes Insipidus, and Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Mellitus causes the pancreas to not produce any or enough insulin, which is the hormone in charge of controlling the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. This disease is fairly common in purebreds; 1 out of every 100 dogs has it. If this problem is not treated the dog's state worsens progressively, it stops urinating, goes into a coma and dies. However Diabetes can be controlled by administering a daily insulin injection in the dog, a controlled diet, and moderate daily exercise.

Answer 3

Can I come eat at your house? I love venison. Sounds some what like fatty liver disease. I don't know very much about dogs, I specialize in guinea pigs, but the symptoms sound the same. Also sounds like the possibility of diabetes. Gallbladers can cause some real trouble also. I didn't know dogs had one. Mabey something on the webs...good luck.

Mabey try a different vet.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Your dog sounds like she was very sick. Don't beat yourself up over this. I believe that it's just as much a pet owner's responsibility to make sure their pet does not suffer at the end, as it is feeding them when they're alive and healthy. All the symptoms you describe are what my dog also did with liver disease (hers turned out to be cancer). I put her to sleep, too, and I miss her very much, but I know I was there when she needed me, and it sounds like you were too. That's being a good owner.

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Answer 6

1

Answer 7

Your vet is the best source for this information