Does my dog have cushing's?

Hi Dr. Marie,

I took my almost 10 y/o lab to the vet because she has been waking me up at night with her panting. I let her out to urinate, but I don't feel like she really has to go as she lolly- gags around the yard. Another problem she developed is occasional incontinence. It seems she will leak a little urine after a walk or if she is relaxed.

She has arthritis in all legs and also walks with a limp. She is only taking cosequin right now for that. She also has a history of seasonal allergies-yeast infection in her paws and ears. Chronic ear infections since a puppy. No other skin issues. She also has a few lypomas.

Despite all of these issues, she is great! She loves her walks, normal appetite, can't tell if she is drinking more water than usual and don't think she is urinating more. She can probably lose about 5 lbs but otherwise her physique and coat look great.

My vet ran a senior blood test on her. Every value came back normal except Alk phosphatase (256). Last year it was 139. He also ran a uc:ur =13. The vet wants to proceed on with an ultrasound, x-ray and hormone test. If Roxy truly has Cushings, with her lab values, do you think she should be put on medication? Do you think her panting can be caused from arthritis pain? I feel like this year she has slowed down a bit but she still LOVES her walks! Do you think it is reasonable to start her on arthritis medication before doing all of the Cushings tests? Is there an arthritis medication you can recommend?

Thanks for your time and any input.

Marie

Thank you very much Dr. Marie! Which test do you think would be best for Roxy- the LDDD or ACTH? I read somewhere that one is more sensitive than the other...with her possibly having a mild case of Cushings, which will accurately detect it?


Thanks again,
Marie

Thanks again! Have a great weekend!