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My old Westie has Cushing's and seems in pain. What can I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | West Highland White Terrier | Male | neutered | 10 years and 7 months old | 26 lbs

My 10 1/2 yr old Westie has Cushings disease, liver reading 2000! Been getting worse 6 months. Regular vet visits,on 25mg Tramadol 2xdaily, 50mgZitac 3xdaily,3 small meals sensitivity food which he eats and drinking approx 500ml water daily. He now sleeps most of the time,does not want to go for walks,goes slowly in the garden, can't lift rear leg to pee and has to move along as he passes a motion.I think he is in pain but vet can't feel it. Not insured and I can't pay for prolonged Cushing drug

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sarah Box, BVSc

Veterinarian

Published on June 11th, 2017

I am so sorry to Charlie is not doing well. It is always difficult to see our beloved pets getting older.
If you feel Charlie is in pain it would be worth discussing with your regular veterinarian to see if you can increase his tramadol, or if there are other medications you can add in for additional pain relief.
You also need to consider that Charlie may be coming to the end. It sounds like his quality of life is becoming diminished, if he is no longer interested in walks and other things that typically have made him happy previously. Check out this link for an article that can help you better understand this part of Charlie's life.http://vet.osu.edu/assets/pdf/hospital/companionAnimals/HonoringtheBond/HowDoIKnowWhen.pdf
Charlie's Cushings diseases and elevated liver enzymes unfortunately complicate the picture, and mean that some of the medications we might normally use for a dog who is in pain are not suitable for him. I hope I have been able to provide you with some ideas to chat with your vet about-do not be afraid to emphasize that you feel he is in pain-you know Charlie best and sometimes the trip to the vet clinic can cause an adrenaline rush that masks some of the symptoms you are concerned about.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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