We think it is Cushing's disease. The lab work to confirm is $225.00. Then treatment. She is already in advanced stages.
Will treatment work or should I be happy for the 17 years with her?
2006-10-06 06:34:09 · 13 answers · asked by packerdnd 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
17 year old dog is amazing!! As long as she isnt in pain, dont put her down
2006-10-06 06:35:46 · answer #1 · answered by I ♥ my fjords! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hey, my older dog also had suspected cushing's disease. It turned out that it was NOT cushing's disease. Vets usually tell you cushing's disease because they expect the worse, however, the symptoms of cushing's disease are the same as many other conditions. For my dog, they did the cushing's disease test (which is only $100), and they did a blood panel. Her liver enzymes were elevated, but the cushing's test was negative. A urinalysis showed that she was just having recurrent urinary tract infections! It seemed like a big problem, but it was just a UTI. Recurrent UTIs are common in older dogs. For my dog, her first UTI took several months to go away completely even with antibiotics so she was showing signs of cushing's, which made teh vets initially think it was cushings, but it wasn't. Go ahead and get the tests and treatment done. After that, get a second opinoin from a different vet's office. That's what I did, and it turned out to be a good idea.
2006-10-06 13:47:10 · answer #2 · answered by iloveeeyore 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our dog was also in the advanced stages of Cushing's and had bone cancer. By the time our vet found out, she was too advanced to treat, and we kept her comfy for about a year before she quit walking and we had to put her down. I think that if your dog is mainly healthy, then you should treat. But the medicine is very expensive, so if the cost is too much, then you might want to consider letting the disease take its course, as long as it isn''t suffering. I am so sorry. Good luck.
2006-10-06 13:46:46 · answer #3 · answered by lovedubya 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I sincerely believe that you have probably spent the best days of your dogs life with her, and the rest will simply be painful, for the both of you. I suggest you take a weekend, spend all your time with her, hug her, kiss her, and give her all sort of wonderful food she's been denied before for health reasons. Then take her in, and although it will be painful for you, remember that it won't be for her.
I must add that had you found out about the Cushings earlier, maybe a different course of action would have been possible. Given the circumstance however, I believe the kindest thing you can do for your loved one is let her go.
My Condolences.
2006-10-06 13:48:09 · answer #4 · answered by Alex K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My goodness you dog made it to 17!!! That is amazing congrats on that. No one can tell you if it's time for your dog to go or not. Just ask yourself, how much time am I buying? How much discomfort will the treatment and recovery be? It is such a hard decision follow your heart. Good Luck.
2006-10-06 13:40:37 · answer #5 · answered by Elle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I made this decision with a pet, it came down to quality of life for the animal. Was he in pain? Could he eat, poop, and get around the house? I didn't want to lose him, but I didn't want to keep him when he was in pain or couldn't enjoy life. You can try treating the disease, but ask first the likelihood of curing it, or keeping it in remission. What will the treatment do in terms of the dog's quality of life? Will she be in pain, or be able to function? You will know in your heart when it's time to take the last step.
2006-10-06 13:38:51 · answer #6 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to ask yourself what is best for the dog. If she is suffering, the humane thing to do would be to put her to sleep.
If her quality of life has not been compromised and is in otherwise good health, talk to the vet about treatment.
2006-10-06 13:36:40 · answer #7 · answered by sunny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should be happy for the time you have had together. It is very sad to have that time come to an end but you wouldn't want her to be in pain. Most of us outlive our little friends, it is a sad part of having them in our lives. Be happy for the time you have shared and treat your pal with respect.
2006-10-06 13:47:23 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we had to put my dog to sleep after 17 years.. he was my fifth bday present it was really hard to do.. but he was suffereing he was full of cancer and such..
sometimes its nicer so they don't suffer.. perhaps talk it over with your vet and she can give you a good answer.. about what the dogs quality of life will be with the treatment
2006-10-06 13:37:34 · answer #9 · answered by steph 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be happy for the precious 17 years with your beloved friend.
2006-10-06 13:39:51 · answer #10 · answered by mysticideas 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋