Cushing's can mimic other diseases such as diabetes. Left untreated it has disastrous effects on the body systems. The links at the bottom of this page will take you to sites detailing more about this condition.

Sparky was diagnosed with mouth cancer in August 2000, although I suspect the cancer had been growing for a time prior to that. Rather than allow him to continue suffering, it was felt that it was time to give him peace. Prior to cancer his most significant problem was failing kidneys and kidney stones (calcium oxalate). This meant weekly IV's of fluids to keep him hydrated as well as adding more fluids to his food to help keep his kidneys flushed out and toxins from building up. His kidneys could no longer concentrate his urine. In September/October 1999, we began noticing his tendency to become disoriented and panicky. He seemed to "forget" things. On October 23, 1999 he was started on Anipryl for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. Just in a matter of days we began to see an improvement - he had become more alert, would play and seemed to take more joy in his life again. He was also on 2 ml/day of Polycitra K which helped neutralize his urine pH and hopefully enabled his kidneys to continue functioning better. He was begun on iron supplementation for anemia in Spring 2000. 

May of 1998 brought the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a very painful condition and not always easily diagnosable. The pancreas become inflamed, then do not function normally which adversely affects the digestive process. Treatment usually involves withholding food and water until the crisis passes followed by bland diet. A word of warning, if left untreated, pancreatitis can be fatal. Sparky's diet was changed to that of no, or very low fat, restricted protein - specifically boiled chicken in small quantities, egg, rice or pasta and small quantities of broccoli due to the pancreatitis and tendency to form bladder stones (calcium oxalate). I added Prozyme (digestive enzymes) to help him pre-digest his food, allowing his digestive system perform better, Vitamin B50 Complex, Calcium/Magnesium, and  Vitamin D, very small amount to help bind with oxelates in the gut and keep them from reaching his kidneys) as well as other supplements. I had also added Milkthistle - reported to help the liver function more efficiently. If you decide to add Milksthistle, then make sure you don't have the additives such as artichoke (it acts as a diuretic). See the link for Sparky's Diet at the bottom of this page.

Thank you to Sparky's vet, and the "team" at the veterinary clinic - I firmly believe that their love and care gave me one more year of life with Sparky. Many thanks go to all of our Internet friends for their love, support and suggestions which helped me to keep this little guy going and provide information to others.

I was fortunate enough to find a book entitled Dogs, Diet, and Disease An Owner's Guide to Diabetes Mellitus, Pancreatitis, Cushing's Disease and More by Caroline D. Levin, R.N. with Forward by Albert J. Simpson, D.V.M. This is an excellent source of information put in plain terms for the human companion to understand.