5 yr old Maltese - Possible Cushings - Check these symptoms? (vet, schnauzer)

[bigguy_55]

First off, we are seeing a vet. and have not completed all the test for Cushing's (Pituatary or Adrenal glands). Our Maltese is named Sammy (proper name Samson). I have read a whole lot of information and have discovered it is hard to diagnois with precission. My doubts arise because blood work doesn't indicate high cortisol, and urnine has low specific gravity with crystals as well as his age. Here are the clinical signs and was wondering if anyone else has seen these.
1) Stands still, dazed look, body jerks, head lowers, leans forward and catches himself before falling, kinda like a stumble forward.
2) Gaining weight, but on controlled feeding
3) Ravenous appetite, seems to live only to eat
4) Distended, hard abdomen, (like he is going to explode), fatty deposits around haunches and under arm
5) Drinks and pees a little more than usual but not extensive.
6) Walks slowly, but still gets excited to go on walks and wags tail, especially if food potential is there.

These symptoms seemed to start all at once with number 1 being first.
Thanks for any discussion. I am thinking maybe some toxicity is involved. Of course, we are going to get more blood test, but I don't think we can afford long term treatment.
Thanks

[eggalegga]

My previous dog had Cushing's back in 2001. He had the ravenous appetite, excessive drinking & frequent urination. Can't remember anything else. I hope your vet can give you some good choices after the blood work is done. Sorry to hear about your dog.

[debzkidz]

I have a 12 year old schnauzer with Cushings. She's had it for 7 years. She exhibited all of the symptoms you mentioned except for #1 and #6. She does have #6 now, but I think that's more just because she's old, not so much because of the Cushings. One symptom she did exhibit that you did not mention was the inability to be still. That was why we initially took her to the vet. She would just pace around the house. She would sit down, then jump back up and move somewhere else, sit for a second and then do it again. She was making me crazy. She would come in and try to wake us up all night long. She just couldn't get comfortable. Even with medication, she's still been all about the food. She is on 30 mg of Trilostane daily. When we started her on it, we had to order it from Britain because it was unavailable in the US. Now it's available here, and it actually costs more now than it did when we ordered it from overseas. Amazing!