That's also what's odd about this...he's only 4.5 years old, so it's unusual - but not unheard of. Isn't that weird? I will say, he did not come from a good breeder, so there is no telling if this is in his line or what. It seems the cause of Cushing's is not really understood.
I've been reading about the sugery...and I agree, it looks very complex and risky - and the dog is at quite a risk for the 6 mths following the surgery; I will be sure I check out the surgeon if it comes to that. The "mecca" of clinics I'm going to has
all kinds of specialties - this is where the derm is - and she is the one who recommended this specific Internist - so at least I feel good about seeing this new vet tomorrow. I will ask the Internist about the surgeon specialties they have there too.
I don't even know what to hope for...I mean, on one hand - I'd rather it was adrenal so we could remove it...on the other, I almost hope it's pituitary and tiny and he could live w/ it forever w/ meds. But then, you get into the medications to manage it - and those are awful medications too.
And then the prognosis is alllll over the board
! Some say 2 years, some say a dog can live 10 more years. I think I need to remember that *most* dogs are diagnosed so late in life -- and that's probably why the prognosis numbers are skewed. Don't you think?
Thanks for all of your help and kind words...I know I'll get him through this...and I'm still holding out that it's only thyroid - but either way, it just helps to post about it and hear others' thoughts.
