the countdown

Well the old guy (Curly that is) is on the final countdown.  We suspect that he has Cushing's disease or Cushing's syndrome and after a visit to the vet yesterday, we have gone over our options.  We've chosen not to do the tests required to confirm the diagnosis because the treatment, if positive, is essentially chemo and/or surgery and we are not doing that to a 15 year old dog.

Cushing's syndrome, also called hyperadrenocorticism, is a disorder in which the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol.  The causes for overproduction can include a tumour on the pituitary gland, problems with the adrenal glands (tumours or overactivity), or steroid treatment.  Since Curly isn't on steroids, it is likely that one of the other causes is the problem.

Symtoms include:

• Increased appetite (likely due to the steroid nature of cortisol)
• Increased drinking, which leads to increased urination; or visa versa
• Weight gain, specifically the formation of a "pot belly"
• Reduced activity

So far it all just sounds like a old dog slowing down.  But what makes us think it is Cushing's is:

Advanced symptoms include:

• hair loss
• heavy panting
• increased susceptability to infections

It's the panting that got me.  He's been doing a lot of that and very little exercise to warrant the panting.  And he has his first ever ear infection. A surprisingly bad one at that.

On the up side, it is a slow progressing disease that does not cause a lot of pain.  We will have to monitor him closely for signs of infection or pain.  Pain is a tough one because animals don't express pain the way we think they would.  There are the obvious pain signs - yelping, whimpering, limping.  Since Curly seems to have an incredible pain tolerance, I believe the signs will be more subtle.  I am reading through a book called "Caring for Your Aging Dog" and when I get to the chapter on pain, I'll share some details.  Or as my vet, Leeanne puts it, I am caring for an "aged" dog.  He is past the aging stage and is now firmly placed in old age - 83 is the estimated human age for his size.

I will keep you posted on our progress.  Although it isn't a pleasant subject, it is all a part of having a dog and as a company that aims to educate, as well as feed your pets, I think it is important to recognize and address all stages of life, even the unpleasant parts.  So come along with me on this part of the journey.

mavis

Comments

[Kal Barteski]

Oh, poor Curly.

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