General fur loss - it IS Cushings Disease! UPDATE

[Mary P]

Tia is over 13 now, but for the past couple of years has lost fur from the top side of her docked tail, and on top of her muzzel.
She's had pancreatitis, and recently she's being tested for renal or adrenal problems - waiting for the blood results.

For the past 3 or so months, her fur has stopped growing altogether. She has had bits shaved for blood tests etc, and those patches still look newly shaved. Her hair is thinning so much as we brush her, or when she had a rolling session, that you can see her skin through the fur in her shoulders.

Has anyone had experience of such severe fur loss in an old dog, and did yoiu find a way of getting the fur healthy again? Her skin is slightly dandruffy, but doesn't feel dry.

I might have to buy her a coat.

Just to add - you can see the lovely glossy coat she once had by the pic on the left!

[LurcherGirl]

Has she also been tested for thyroid?

[Mary P]

No, not yet. The tests have only just started - she's at the vet at the moment for a 2 stage blood test.

[Mary P]

They are testing her for cushings disease, which fits all her symptoms.
Here's hoping!

http://www.canine-cushings.co.uk/index.htm

[Elspeth]

I have no knowledge of Cushings in dogs, only horses. Going to have a wee read of the link you posted.

[Tasha]

I do and she would have lost alot more than just off the muzzle and tail she'd have lost hair under her tummy, elbows, sides, ears and a general thinning all over.  Old dogs don't tend to grow back their hair so quickly and she is a good age.  My oldie took forever to grow back his hair after a removal at the vets but he did have cushings and although once his medication was sorted out it helped his hair never really grew back to a full coat.

If your dog has cushings you should see other signs of the disease as well, more urinating, excessive drinking, pot belly etc good luck with the tests but I would go with the advice from your vet at 13 you have to decide between quality and quantity of life, quality is always better and the meds for cushings destroy the liver its a very difficult balance.

[Mary P]

I do and she would have lost alot more than just off the muzzle and tail she'd have lost hair under her tummy, elbows, sides, ears and a general thinning all over.  Old dogs don't tend to grow back their hair so quickly and she is a good age.  My oldie took forever to grow back his hair after a removal at the vets but he did have cushings and although once his medication was sorted out it helped his hair never really grew back to a full coat.

If your dog has cushings you should see other signs of the disease as well, more urinating, excessive drinking, pot belly etc good luck with the tests but I would go with the advice from your vet at 13 you have to decide between quality and quantity of life, quality is always better and the meds for cushings destroy the liver its a very difficult balance.

She does have almost every symptom, and the coat has thinned all over, I just highlighted the most pronounced areas.
When we get the diagnosis, we can discuss options with the vet. She is ever so special, and of course I'll try to make the best decisions for her. As you say, her quality of life is paramount!

[stuffster]

Our vet was talking to us about Cushings yesterday and it has many similar symptoms to hypothyroidism, so it could well be that  instead.  Hair not growing back after shaving was one of the first things our vet mentioned as a way to spot hypothyroidism. Make sure you ask for the extra tests for thyroid as the standard one in a blood work up wouldnt necessarily give a conclusive answer.

Fingers crossed for poor Tia. 

[Tasha]

this is a pretty basic guide although american, kane was on a high dose Modrenal but we had to play with the levels alot before we got a balance.  He had both adrenal and petuitary tumors.  From diagnosis with care he lasted 3 years.

http://www.kateconnick.com/library/cushingsdisease.html

[waggytails]

I'm watching this thread as my old girl Millie who's 14 is thinning quit a bit and dandruffy. I have posted a thread asking for help with supplements, but am very interested in what the out come of your Girl is MaryP. Hope its nothing serious.

[stuffster]

Any news on Tia? I hope its nothing too serious. 

[Mary P]

Due to the Easter break, I was told to phone at the end of this week for the results - that will be in the morning!

Poor girl - the local shop has stopped selling the usual food, so I bought another one which she's usually fine with - but it's given her a runny tummy on top of everything else! 
I went to PAH, and got 2 huge sacks 2 days ago, and she's slowly getting back to normal.

I'll let you all know when I know!

[Mary P]

OK, the diagnosis is now made, and she is on lifelong treatment. This website is useful:

http://www.yourpetshealth.co.uk/page43.htm

The treatment is Vetoryl. She has to go back week after next for more blood tests etc. I am relieved as I have been convinced for a long time she had a problem, but Cushings is often misdiagnosed as the ageing process.

Thanks for the support - I'll update when there is more news.

[JaspersMum]

Glad they've decided what it is and that she can have some treatment Mary, Thinking of you 

[degusuki]

I dont wish to alarm you Mary but my Lurcher was diagnosed with Cushings Disease and put on Vetoryl. You need to keep a very careful eye on her levels as if overdosed with Vetoryl she will have a stroke. My Lurcher was rushed to the vet after a serious stroke and I was told that it was caused by the medication. She later passed away. If I had known this was a side effect of the drug I may have looked at other options. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.