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My dog with Cushing's has skin problems. When is it time to say goodbye?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 13 years and 4 months old | 81 lbs

My 13yo lab has cushing. He had adverse reactions to meds. He still is happy but the hair loss and plaques on his skin is really bothering him. When should I make the call to end is journey? I feel as though I'm being selfish

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Susan England-Foster

Veterinarian

Published on September 15th, 2017

I am sorry Rylee has not been feeling well. I am unsure by the picture if Rylee is having a drug reaction. Cushings disease is when the body over produces cortisol which is a steroid. Once cushings is being treated a lot of dogs will start to have underlying skin issues due to allergies. The cortisol/steroid being produced by the body will decrease or hide skin allergies. I would recommend taking Rylee to the vet to determine if maybe this is why the skin has changed. It is possible a course of antibiotics or topical shampoos will help with the skin./ I hope this helps and Rylee feels better!

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi there and thank you for your post! From the picture you provided it appears as though Rylee may be fighting a skin infection as one of the possible causes. Speaking from personal experience with my 20yr old dachshund with Cushing's disease, he would regularly get skin infections that would really bother him. The hair would fall out and skin would peel. With Cushing's disease, they do become more prone to developing skin infections and this is definitely something that can be treated and managed. I would recommend seeing your vet to have this looked at as Rylee will likely need a course of oral antibiotics and topical treatments. If you are unable to get to your vet right away, I would suggest using Duoxo Chlorhexidine PS combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved. I would also suggest using Welactin omega 3 fish oil and essential 6 spot on by dermoscent. Once this has resolved, I would suggest switching shampoos to Duoxo PS calm shampoo and bathe once per month as maintenance. In regards to when you should make the decision to let Rylee go, it becomes a question of quality of life. How is Rylee's quality of life? Is she doing Rylee behavior still? Is she happy, eating and drinking or does she seem depressed / dull / lethargic? These are all important questions to ask yourself. If her quality of life seems to be deteriorating, I would ask yourself if this is how you want Rylee to continue to live. For additional Cushing's treatment options, you can try Melatonin and Flaxseed HMR lignan. I would discuss this with your veterinarian for dosing recommendations in Rylee's case as it can vary from case to case. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via phone or text based consultation if needed.

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