My senior dog has a distended belly, thirsty, weak. Is it Cushing's?

Question

The vet put our dog on denamarin and pretty much indicated that there was really not anything we could do. She did say it was adrenal. Could you please provide your thoughts. She has a distended stomach, extreme thirst and hunger, whining, constant urinating, weakness in back end, losing hair in spots, lethargy, won't eat her special dog food. She was but then she just stopped. She is fourteen years old, not overweight. I am so worried because I do not want her to suffer. Thanks for helping!!! Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | spayed | 13 years and 10 months old

Megan, DVM, CVA · Accepted Answer

My biggest concern is that your vet is talking about hyperadrenocorticism also known as Cushing's disease. This is what I think of when you discuss those symptoms, liver enzyme elevations and adrenal issues. Cushings is where they produce too much cortisol in their system. You can do a test to rule this in or out. You can have your vet do a low dose dexamethasone test OR a ACTH stimulation test. If it comes up positive then you can treat with the disease with a daily medicine called trilostane to help the symptoms. But you cannot cure cushings. I hope this helps and will help guide you in a conversation with your vet if this is actually what your vet thinks is going on.

My senior dog has a distended belly, thirsty, weak. Is it Cushing's?

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