Cushing"s Disease in Dogs (Hyperadrenocorticism) - What You Should Know
Cushing's disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is the over secretion of cortisol (stress hormone) in the body.
It usually affects dogs at the age of 6 years or older.
Certain breeds such as daschunds, terriers, golden retrievers, german shepherds and poodles are more susceptible to Cushing's disease.
Types of Cushing's disease There are 3 types of Cushing's disease: adrenal tumor, pituitary tumor and iatrogenic.
Pituitary tumor - A tumor in the pituitary gland results in the over production of hormone that stimulates production of cortisol by the adrenal glands.
This is the most common type of canine Cushing's disease.
Adrenal tumor- A tumor of the adrenal gland causes over production of cortisol.
This type of Cushing's disease occurs in a small percentage of dogs.
Iatrogenic - This type of Cushing's disease is caused by over use of corticosteroids for treatment of various ailments such as allergies, skin disorders and arthritis.
Due to excessive corticosteroids in the blood, adrenal glands fail to produce cortisol and decrease in size.
Clinical symptoms of Cushing's disease in dogs The symptoms of Cushing's disease are: 1.
hair loss 2.
increased eating, drinking and urination 3.
pot-bellied appearance 4.
excessive panting 5.
thinner skin 6.
easily bruised 7.
weakness or lethargy 8.
bladder infection Diagnosis of canine Cushing's disease This disease is diagnosed from clinical symptoms, physical examination, blood and urine tests, ultrasound and x-ray.
Further laboratory tests may be conducted to confirm diagnosis and determine type of Cushing's disease.
Treatment of Cushing's disease in dogs Cushing's disease caused by pituitary tumor is treated with drugs (Mitotane, being the most common) that destroy parts of adrenal cortex that produce cortisol.
Careful monitoring is needed to ensure the correct drug dosage is given to restore normal level of cortisol production.
This is a lifelong medication, with regular checks on the dosage.
Treatment of adrenal dependent Cushing's disease is by surgical removal of the adrenal tumor.
If the tumor is benign, the dog can expect to recover fully.
The prognosis is not good in the case of malignant tumor that has spread to other parts of the body.
Iatrogenic Cushing's disease is treated by discontinuing corticosteroid in a controlled manner.
Any corticosteroid medication must be terminated slowly to allow adrenal glands to recover and resume their cortisol production to ideal level.
It usually affects dogs at the age of 6 years or older.
Certain breeds such as daschunds, terriers, golden retrievers, german shepherds and poodles are more susceptible to Cushing's disease.
Types of Cushing's disease There are 3 types of Cushing's disease: adrenal tumor, pituitary tumor and iatrogenic.
Pituitary tumor - A tumor in the pituitary gland results in the over production of hormone that stimulates production of cortisol by the adrenal glands.
This is the most common type of canine Cushing's disease.
Adrenal tumor- A tumor of the adrenal gland causes over production of cortisol.
This type of Cushing's disease occurs in a small percentage of dogs.
Iatrogenic - This type of Cushing's disease is caused by over use of corticosteroids for treatment of various ailments such as allergies, skin disorders and arthritis.
Due to excessive corticosteroids in the blood, adrenal glands fail to produce cortisol and decrease in size.
Clinical symptoms of Cushing's disease in dogs The symptoms of Cushing's disease are: 1.
hair loss 2.
increased eating, drinking and urination 3.
pot-bellied appearance 4.
excessive panting 5.
thinner skin 6.
easily bruised 7.
weakness or lethargy 8.
bladder infection Diagnosis of canine Cushing's disease This disease is diagnosed from clinical symptoms, physical examination, blood and urine tests, ultrasound and x-ray.
Further laboratory tests may be conducted to confirm diagnosis and determine type of Cushing's disease.
Treatment of Cushing's disease in dogs Cushing's disease caused by pituitary tumor is treated with drugs (Mitotane, being the most common) that destroy parts of adrenal cortex that produce cortisol.
Careful monitoring is needed to ensure the correct drug dosage is given to restore normal level of cortisol production.
This is a lifelong medication, with regular checks on the dosage.
Treatment of adrenal dependent Cushing's disease is by surgical removal of the adrenal tumor.
If the tumor is benign, the dog can expect to recover fully.
The prognosis is not good in the case of malignant tumor that has spread to other parts of the body.
Iatrogenic Cushing's disease is treated by discontinuing corticosteroid in a controlled manner.
Any corticosteroid medication must be terminated slowly to allow adrenal glands to recover and resume their cortisol production to ideal level.
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