My diabetic dog won't eat. Is it Cushing's or Addison's disease?

Question

Hi, my dog had been in and out of the vet for 3 visits now. She is a 9 year old Husky mix. She weighs 70 lbs. She WILL NOT EAT for a week now, no matter what we try and give her, even antelope meat and fresh salmon. Also all of her favorites. The vet says she has diabetes and we are now giving her 9 units twice/day. Now the vet wants to test her for Cushings but that says that there is an appetite. Could she have Addisons? She has never had any type of treatment before this. Thanks, Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 9 years and 1 month old | 70 lbs

David Darvishian · Accepted Answer

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Pumpkin. Reading this causes me great concern. You should never give Insulin to a diabetic dog that won't eat. Insulin should always be given ONLY when a diabetic pet is eating. You run the risk of dropping her blood sugar to very dangerous levels. So NEVER give insulin if she won't eat. It's better for her to have a temporary high glucose than have a low blood glucose. Addisons disease and Cushing's disease are opposite of each other and certainly, either one could be possible. We do see diabetes and Cushings in the same patient and I have seen diabetes and Addisons in a few dogs. You are correct about Cushing's being associated with a ravenous appetite but when it's combined with diabetes, you may not see this. Also, if the dog gets really sick with Cushing's, a decreased appetite may be seen. So, only some lab tests would be able to differentiate between the two diseases as your vet has suggested. I would contact your vet as soon as you can to discuss this further. Obviously, something else is going on here that is affecting her appetite. And again, if she won't eat, do not give her insulin or you will end up going to the emergency vet if your vet isn't open.

My diabetic dog won't eat. Is it Cushing's or Addison's disease?

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