Cushing's Disease in Westie

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Marie - 20 Oct 2005 17:45 GMT

Yesterday, I learned my 5 yo Westie was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease.
My vet is out of town until Monday and I was wondering what the statistics
are on his longivity. His Cortisol test result is 9.0 in a reference range
of 2.0-6.0 ug/dl. Is 9.0 considered the beginning stage of the disease or
is it a high range?

Thanks for any information.

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J. Martin - 22 Oct 2005 18:21 GMT

> Yesterday, I learned my 5 yo Westie was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease.
> My vet is out of town until Monday and I was wondering what the statistics
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> Thanks for any information.

A single cortisol level of 9.0 is NOT diagnostic of cushings disease. Many
dogs will have an elevated cortisol level on a single blood test because the
adrenal glands release cortisol in response to stress. Cushings is
diagnosed with either a low dose dexamethasone suppression (LDDS) test or an
ACTH stimulation test. Both of these tests require a series of blood
samples taken at specific times before and after an injection. Be sure the
diagnosis has been confirmed with one of these tests before starting
therapy.

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Marie - 22 Oct 2005 20:56 GMT

Thank you for your response. I've already arranged to get another
consultation with a vet.

>> Yesterday, I learned my 5 yo Westie was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease.
>> My vet is out of town until Monday and I was wondering what the
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> injection. Be sure the diagnosis has been confirmed with one of these
> tests before starting therapy.

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Pet Forum / Miscellaneous / Animal Health / October 2005

Cushing's Disease in Westie