Why is my dog with Cushings limping, panting, and lethargic?

Thank you for submitting Buddy. I hope that he is feeling better now. If not, I recommend that he sees a veterinarian right away. Cushing's can make dogs more prone to blood clots. A clot in the lungs can cause increased respiratory effort. This can usually be diagnosed with x-rays of his chest. Sometimes a specific urine test is used to look for certain factors. I hope this information helps!

The random yelping isn't really typical for Cushing's Disease. These symptoms are usually weight gain or pot-bellied appearance, thinning hair, increased hunger, increased thirst, increased urination, and occasionally increased respiratory rate/panting and restlessness. I would recommend that you have Miley examined by a vet. The symptoms you describe sound like pain, which could be coming from multiple places, such as joints, the back, inside the abdomen, or chest, or could be caused by neurologic or other musculoskeletal issues. If the vet is also concerned about Cushing's Disease, then bloodwork can be obtained and tests scheduled to look into this possibility.

I am very sorry to hear that Gab is having trouble with her leg and limping, I am sure it is worrying for you both. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why a dog may limp, ranging from injury, infection, osteoarthritis, disorders of the growing bones or joints, and even some cancers. She may be licking at the paw because it hurts, or there is something inside of it such as a migrating grass seed. Signs of infection in a paw would include redness, swelling, and discharge. Gab would also likely have a fever. Here is an article to help you check if she has a fever; https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-common-signs-your-pet-has-a-fever In order to determine the precise cause of Gab's limb pain it would be best to take her in for an examination by a veterinarian. A veterinarian will also be able to make Gab comfortable by providing pain relief medication. The vet may also perform an orthopaedic exam and an X-ray. If Gab seems very uncomfortable or depressed, you suspect a broken bone, the limb is dangling at an unnatural angle, a limb is being dragged, severe swelling is occurring, the limb is hot, bone is piercing the skin, or nonstop bleeding is occurring, Gab needs to see a veterinarian immediately. If none of the above are occurring, and due to the high frequency of injury or trauma cases in limping dogs, you can try conservative management at home for 24 hours to see if Gab improves. Keep Gab as comfortable as possible, and strict rest with as little movement as can be managed When moving handle with care Do not give Gab any medications without a veterinarian’s approval Apply a cold compress for first 24 hours Switch to a warm compress after 24 hours If pain or limping continues after 24 hours then take Gab to see a veterinarian. I hope this was a helpful answer and more importantly that Gab feels better soon. Warmest regards and best of luck to you both.

Poor Lily. When a pet isn't showing a pain response but limping on their back leg, it could indicate that they have either torn a ligament in the joint or have a severe muscle sprain. Also if you don't notice any obvious swelling, then a fracture is likely not the cause. Rest her, no running, jumping playing and leash walk only for the next couple of weeks. You can also do cold compresses on the limb 1-2 times a day. if there is no improvement within 3-4 days, then it's best to get her seen by your veterinarian for a full exam and pet friendly pain medication. She may also need x-rays of the leg to determine the underlying injury (cause). Do not give her people pain meds however because these can be quite toxic to pets and cause major liver and/or kidney damage. It's better to get all pain and anti-inflammatory meds from your vet. Even though she isn't crying out, there is presumed inflammation at the very least, so she can benefit from medication at any time. I hope your puppy gets well soon. Best wishes.

Cushing’s syndrome (if that is indeed what she has), is rarely an emergency. Many dogs have had the disorder for months (or years) prior to diagnosis. However, diabetes can have very similar signs and that is more of a concern. If she has lost weight, or if she is not eating then I would recommend an emergency veterinarian to make sure she is not diabetic and starting to Decompensate. I also notice that she is not spayed. Pyometra is a uterine infection that usually starts with increased water intake, But they usually progress to not feeling well soon. Some of these dogs also have vaginal discharge and typically occurs 6 weeks or so after last heat cycle. If she is eating well and seem fine otherwise then waiting until Monday seems appropriate to me. If possible try to take a urine sample with you to your veterinarian appointment. Best of luck and I hope she does well. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Poor girl. Unfortunately there isn't much you can do for a musculoskeletal injury. Over the counter pain meds shouldn't be given to pets b/c of a high risk of liver and/or kidney damage. You can try doing alternating cold and warm compresses on the sore area for 5-10 minutes a day. Also a warm water Epsom salt bath can help with some of the soreness. If she just has a minor injur like a muscle sprain, then letting her rest the leg and the cold and warm compresses should help improve her limping over the next 4-5 days. Also leash walking her only outside and not encouraging jumping and rough play can help the area heal. Here is a website link that also has some financial resources that may be of assistance for getting Princess seen by your vet. It sounds like she may need a radiograph of the leg and appropriate treatment depending on the underlying injury if things don't get better soon. http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html Best wishes and take care.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Suzie. I am sorry to hear about her fall. If she is still acting normal otherwise, I would keep her very quiet to allow her body to rest. Carry her if possible (which may not be an option given the size included in her profile) or you can roll up a towel to use as a sling under her belly to help support her when she needs to walk. By limiting her movements, you can limit any further swelling that may accompany her injury. Do not give her any over-the-counter pain medication as these can be toxic to dogs. If she is not significantly better by tomorrow morning, she will need to see her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!