Cushings...?

Question

Ok..FINALLY!! I managed to get my parents to take our pet Jack Russell (Aged 11) to the vets this week. After a blood test, they think he may have cushings disease. They want us to make a decision.. we can have him put on a course of tablets for the rest of his life, costing £50 a month.. or have him put to sleep.

he will never be cured.

does anyone have experience with cushings in a pet dog? and did they use tablets? how long did your pet live after treatment? and did the pet improve slightly in health/happiness.. or did it seem miserable?

i am keen to use the tablets, i dont care too much about the money.. even tho its a huge chunk of my wages gone, the dog is family.

however.. my parents are not sure what to do. i think they believe its more fair on the dog if he is put to sleep as he will not get any better anyway..

what is really best? i need advice.. xx

Vets have told us he is not in any pain at the moment x

Answer 1

Cushings is a pretty managable disease. Treat the dog.

Answer 2

I had a yorkie that had it a long time ago. It's when the body has too much cortisone it causes it.

The outlook is guarded at best. With meds the dog can live up to two years more. There is a med called anipryl, I don't know if that is what your vet recommended.

This is a situation where there may not be a best answer. I would look at the quality of life. Is he suffering? That would be the biggest question for me.
If he is on meds and does great, then it may be worth it. But, 11 years is a good life. Does the vet recommend one way or the other?
If you do decide to put him down, understand you are doing it for the right reasons so he will not suffer.

I wish you good luck.

Answer 3

The first question you should ask yourself is, "Is the dog suffering?" "How much is he suffering?" "How long will he suffer?"

Obviously you love your dog. Your attitude towards the cost of treatment proves that.
Because he is a part of your family then the decision to "put him down" is an extremely tough one to make, since he is as much a part of your family as anyone else.
But I believe that the determining factor would be in knowing how much suffering he would have to endure, and for how long.

Would the medications ease that suffering? Would he lead a good quality life the rest of his life? How much emotional distress can your family take knowing that he is in a condition that is permanent and with an inevitable outcome?

Don't choose to have him put down because the cost to help maintain some decent health is too much. Choose because you love him and care enough to not want him to suffer.

I hope that whatever you decide will be the best for everyone, especially for your beloved "Jack".

Answer 4

Danger signs to watch for with Cushings: vomiting, diarrhea, pain, seizures, and bleeding. There are several drug therapies available, including Lysodren, Ketoconazole, and Anipryl (most popular). The treatments available can prolong your pet's quality of life and keep him around for years longer.

Since he's only 11, try the meds and see how he does. It might be a trial and error for the dosing and proper medication, but he still has 4+ years ahead to live.

When his quality of life is no longer good, that's when euthanizing should be considered.

Good luck!

`*`*`*`

Answer 5

Cushings Disease is manageable with medication if the dog is not in any pain then why shouldn't you do what you can to prolong his life as long as possible. Do some research on Cushings Disease perhaps certain types are operable?

Answer 6

WOW! My doctor tested me for Cushings, but I've never heard of it in an animal.

I don't know how old Jack Russell's usually live to be, but I'm betting that it's around 14, so I would keep that in mind when making your decision.

If he's not in pain, he doesn't HAVE to be put to sleep whether he takes the meds or not.

Answer 7

This is a question you need to decide for yourself. Although I've not heard of dogs having Cushing's, I do know human's can have Cushing's, it causes human's to gain weight, have deep voices, women who have Cushing's tend to have facial hair, medicine helps to control all of this. So I would say get yourself some good Pet Insurance to help defray the cost of medicine. I mean you wouldn't poor ole Aunt Fanny to sleep just because she has Cushing's would you?

Answer 8

Until he is in absolute pain I would fight for his life with him. Give him a chance. Try the meds and see how he will do. I pet can lead a happy life on meds. Once he seems to be going on the down hill and he will is better off pts then that will the time time. Until now give him a chance. Many dogss do well.

Answer 9

I am so sorry your dog is sick, you have my sincere sympathy. I have no experience with this, but I do agree with at least trying to manage his illness with meds to see how he responds. As long as he remains comfortable and appears to continue to enjoy life, I see no reason to PTS. When he no longer has any zest for life or is in pain, well, then you will have a very hard decision to make. Canine health science and medications are advancing daily, don't jump too quickly to a non-reversible choice.

The link below has much information for you. Good luck and hug your doggy for me. My thoughts are with you.

Answer 10

if u really luv it try ur best to save it i mean he is ur best friend and all and i luv animals so i would do the same but if its in a lot of pain the dog will luv u 4 putting it out of its misery