A very common disease that waits to hit dogs until they are in their golden years, over 10 years old, is Cushing's disease.
It is hard to tell if it is this disease, older dogs can have symptoms that match other old age diseases.
Your dog's Doctor will play an important role in determining what is really going on.
In your dog, at the base of the scull there is a pituitary gland.
The hormones in the animal are made by this gland and then put into the blood.
Cortisol is one of the hormones and its functions is to regulate parts of the body, and this can be making sure the sugar in the blood is okay.
Whenever this is off balance it can be catastrophic to your dog.
There are many different diseases that share the likeness of Cushing's.
Some of the major ones to watch out for are if the dog is very aggressive with food.
They are urinating every where, which is not normally like them.
Excessive panting and he seems to always be real thirsty, and drink a lot.
Gaining weight because the fat distribution is messed up.
Proper treatment of Cushing's in older dogs can be life threatening.
When the animal is older there are numerous risks to take into consideration.
The animal doctor what have to determine the type of disease and the best possible route to go.
A couple of different treatment options would be chemotherapy and surgery.
Since the animal is most likely old there is a major health risk.
Them being comfortable is most important.
Many years ago the treatment for Cushing's disease was not as successful as it is now.
An older dog has more of a fighting chance at survival then he did then.
Research and find out every thing you can about this disease so when you meet with the animal doctor you are prepared.