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Cushing's disease, also known as Cushing’s syndrome, is a degenerative condition that affects nearly 460,000 older dogs. It is caused by excessive cortisol, which is a naturally produced steroid in the animal's body by the adrenal glands. Cushing’s is a brain-endocrine disorder that can affect many of the functions of the dog’s body and is considered a medically complex disorder While cortisol is paramount to healthy functioning in normal amounts, excess can lead to a debilitating existence for once happy pets. Early detection of Cushing’s syndrome is
important because of the many bodily functions that are affected by the disease.
Because the onset of Cushing's Syndrome is slow, symptoms of the disease are often mistaken for signs of aging. Reduced activity, changes in appetite and hair loss are commonly overlooked by pet owners and veterinarians alike. Other symptoms of the disease include an increased thirst in the animal, increased unrination, the appearance of being overweight, muscle weakness, panting and a loss of housetraining.
If Cushing’s disease is suspected in a pet, the veterinarian will order blood and urine tests. The blood tests will help the veterinarian pinpoint the exact cause of the disease in the dog. The veterinarian will check liver enzymes, white cell counts and red cell levels. The urine test will be used to measure the levels of cortisone and creatinine in the system. An ultrasound of the adrenal glands may also be ordered to see if the glands are enlarged and pinpoint tumors. The treatment the dog receives will depend on whether the disease is ptiuitary or adrenal. Complications of Cushing’s syndrome can include high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, blood clotting, diabetes mellitus and kidney disease.
The dog may also contract more infections due to Cushing’s disease because it surpresses the dog’s immune system. Protein loss due to kidney damage is common in dogs with Cushing’s disease. This can cause an accumulation of fluid in dogs, generally in the lungs and other body cavities. Excessive fluid will ultimately lead to congestive heart failure from the build up of fluid in the animal’s lungs. Because most dogs with Cushing’s syndrome are aged, existing heart disease can complicate matters.
Cushing’s Syndrome, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is most common in beagles, boston terriers, boxers, poodles and dachshunds. In most dogs it is caused by an abnormality that overstimulates the adrenal glands, and results in an overproduction of cortisol. However,
sometimes it is the adrenal glands themselves that cause the levels of cortisol to rise if a tumor is present. Tumors may also be present in pituitary glands. These tumors may be benign or malignant. Dogs that have been previously treated for allergic conditions or immune disorders can also contract Cushing’s disease from prolonged use of corticosteroid drugs. This is called iatrogenic disease. If this is the case in the dog, the veterinarian will reduce the current steroid treatment in to lower cortisone levels.
If the dog has an adrenal tumor, surgery will probably be performed to remove the glands. Because the pituitary glands are located in the brain, dogs with this type of Cushing’s disease will probably be treated with drugs or radiation therapy. Surgery may be postponed until the
cortisol levels can be controlled however, due to the tendancy of slow healing in dogs with Cushing’s disease.
Cushing's disease is a progressive illness and there is no known cure. Once diagnosed by the veterinarian as having Cushing’s syndrome, the dog will need ongoing treatment to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If the dog has other medical conditions that are being treated, such as diabetes mellitus, management of the Cushing’s Syndrome is made more difficult. It is extremely important that the veterinarians instructions are followed carefully when administering prescribed steroids to treat the disease, to avoid iatrogenic disease. Dogs usually respond
favorably to treatment for Cushing’s disease and can live relatively normal lives again. Dogs with pituitary Cushing’s syndrome can experience relapses that require the veterinarian to change the dog’s medication dose, or reinduction therapy.
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