GSD with cusings, spondylosis deformans

Question
Hello;  My 9.5 year old GSD was diagnosed this year with cushings, hypothyroidism and spondylosis deformans.  She is on meds (trylostane for cushings) for all, but for the spondylosis, I wonder if anything helps.  Because of the cushings, she apparently cannot be on any anti-inflammatories so we are treating her with tramadol but it doesn't seem to help much.  One of her vets said we could try adequan injections.  It's odd since almost everthing I've read indicates that  most dogs with spondylosis deformans are asymptomatic.  Any suggestions?  I have also taken her for acupuncture  treatments and she is on dosaquin as well.   She is a big dog, ~ 100 lbs.

Thanks.

Answer
I am not sure what a GSD is but it seems that everything you are doing is about as much as you can do. I think of all that you are doing, the acupuncture will produce the best results.

I would continue with that until she shows a decline then you will have a decision to make.
Here is what the Merck says about spondylosis deformans:

Spondylosis deformans is a noninflammatory, degenerative disease characterized by production of osteophytes along the ventral and lateral aspects of the vertebral bodies. In advanced cases, the osteophytes may appear to bridge the intervertebral disk space. It is seen in dogs, cats, and bulls, and the incidence increases with age. The cause is breakdown of the outer fibers of the annulus fibrosis and stretching of the longitudinal ligament. The increased stress at the vertebral attachment of the longitudinal ligament incites osteophyte production. It is usually an incidental radiographic finding. Rare cases cause spinal hyperesthesia, which should be treated with analgesics.

As you can see, it is a noninflammitory process, so if she is in pain from something maybe she has ankylosing spondylosis instead. It can cause some pain.

There isn't much more I can add to that.
I hope she does well on her treatments. Cushings can be a pain to treat but coupled with HT you really have your hands full.

I laud you for putting up a good fight for her but when her quality of life starts to slip- I know you will make the right choice for her.
Good luck with all of her treatments.