Cat with advanced Cushing's: How long untreated? Is it painful?

Question

Once a cat gets to the advanced stage of cushing syndrome how long can they live with out treatment and are they in pain? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Cushing's disease is rare in cats, and prognosis is guarded when it is diagnosed in a cat. It can rarely be cured, and it's hard to say exactly how long a cat would live without treatment as each animal is different, but I would not recommend allowing a cat to live without treatment. That would cause suffering to the animal, which is never acceptable. I would say that they would be in pain, as they will suffer muscle wastage, thin skin that can easily tear, possible UTIs from the excessive drinking and urination, and concurrent suffering with diabetes (the excessive cortisol interferes the effects of insulin). If Winfred is at end stage Cushings and you do not want to continue treatment, then I would recommend putting her to sleep to prevent any pain and suffering.

Cat with advanced Cushing's: How long untreated? Is it painful?

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