My dog with Cushing's has low thyroid and is losing weight. Why?

Question

M my 10 year old golden retriever was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease about five years ago. He’s been on medicine for that disease since then. His weight was stable at 34 kg and over the past month or so we have noticed that he lost additional weight. He’s now at 32 kg. The doctor has done some bloodwork and has determined that the medicine for the Cushing’s disease is too much because he has an under active thyroid now. Which has me concerned. Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | neutered | 70 lbs

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA · Accepted Answer

Interesting question! Cushings can be a very difficult condition to manage and can in itself give low thyroid readings (as can any illness such as urinary tract infections common in cushings patients). This syndrome is known as euthyroid sick syndrome where although the thyroid my be capable of working it is not as active as expected - this occurs in almost 50% of cushings patients. True failure of the thyroid gland is also possible but much more rare. Extensive testing may be required in order to differentiate the two conditions but if confirmed, thyroid medication can be given alongside cushings medication

My dog with Cushing's has low thyroid and is losing weight. Why?

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