One of the most typical endocrine conditions affecting dogs is Cushing disease in dogs (also known as hyperadrenocorticism). The body’s glands that create and secrete hormones, including the hormone cortisol, are collectively known as the endocrine system. Cortisol has a variety of beneficial effects when levels are normal, such as regulating immunological responses and stress responses. However, this drug can have negative consequences on the body when it is in excess. Cortisol levels that are too high in the body are referred to as Cushing’s illness.
When a dog’s body overproduces cortisol or is administered corticosteroid drugs (like prednisolone) at large dosages or for an extended length of time, such as both, Cushing’s disease can result.
Symptoms:
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Middle-aged to elderly animals are typically affected by hyperadrenocorticism. Common signs and symptoms of Cushing disease in dogs:
- Increased urination and thirst
- Increased appetite
- Panting Giving the abdomen a pot-bellied look
- Obesity
- Recurrent urinary tract, skin, or other infections
- Hair fall
- Not enough energy
- Muscle tremor
- Skinny skin
- The appearance of white scaly patches or blackheads on the skin.
Due to an increase in abdominal organ fat and straining of the abdominal wall as the organs become heavier, many of these dogs start to seem bloated or “pot-bellied” in the belly. Weaker abdominal wall muscles contribute to the development of the pot-bellied look. Other typical symptoms of this condition include panting and an increase in hunger.
Breeds at high risk
Cushing’s disease can affect any dog, although the following breeds are more susceptible:
- Poodles
- Dachshund
Tiny terriers (Yorkshire, Jack Russell, Staffordshire
Cushing Disease in Dogs – Causes
Pituitary tumor:
More than 80% of canine cases of Cushing’s disease are caused by pituitary tumors, which are quite frequent. These pituitary tumors are often brought on by benign tumors, with malignant tumors being far less frequent. Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism is the name for this particular variation of the condition (PDH).
Adrenal gland tumors:
About 15–20% of spontaneously occurring Cushing’s disease in dogs is caused by tumors of the adrenal glands. The likelihood that these tumors are benign or cancerous is 50/50.
Latrogenic:
Cushing’s disease in dogs can also be brought on by excessive corticosteroid drug administration. These medications are used often to treat immunological diseases, certain forms of cancer, and allergies.
They also have anti-inflammatory properties. Dogs may exhibit hyperadrenocorticism when given greater dosages or for longer periods.
Diagnosing the Disease
Performing a physical examination during which they obtain a thorough history and conduct a thorough physical examination is the first stage in making the diagnosis of Cushing’s illness. From here, they typically collect a urine sample for analysis and draw blood samples for a general health check.
Then they will do additional tests required to conclusively identify Cushing’s disease if, based on this preliminary evaluation, they suspect that it may be the source of your dog’s symptoms.
ACTH stimulation test
This test is typically our first option for a diagnostic procedure because it is straightforward and quick to carry out. It evaluates how well the adrenal glands function in response to ACTH, a hormone that often causes them to produce cortisol. It entails obtaining two blood samples, one for resting cortisol and the other for cortisol after ACTH stimulation, an hour apart.
Even though this is a good screening test for Cushing’s disease, there are a few instances in which the results will be falsely negative (everything points to the disease, but the results are inconsistent). In these situations, if they are still concerned that the dog may have Cushing’s disease, the vet may perform a second blood test called a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test.
Cortisol Levels
A dog’s baseline cortisol level is measured using a blood sample, and then a little quantity of dexamethasone is injected into the animal. After administering dexamethasone, blood cortisol levels are checked four and eight hours later. The dexamethasone injection reduces the amount of circulating cortisol in a healthy dog by inhibiting the release of a hormone that increases cortisol production. Cortisol production is not inhibited in a dog with Cushing’s disease.
Unfortunately, there is no one diagnostic procedure that can always rule out Cushing’s illness. To ascertain if a dog has Cushing’s disease or not, the vets might also need to run further tests and/or carry out an abdominal ultrasound.
Treatment for Cushing Disease in Dogs
By the time your dog develops Cushing’s illness, it will typically already be pretty visible clinically, thus treatment is usually necessary right away because of the condition’s possible negative implications on your pet’s health.
Trilostane will be prescribed once the decision to start therapy has been reached. Since this drug has possible negative effects, it is crucial to closely monitor the animal. The animal must subsequently undergo repeated ACTH stimulation tests at regular intervals until the findings are satisfactory and the animal is displaying clinical improvement. After the doctors reach this stage, they typically conduct follow-up ACTH stimulation tests every three to six months for monitoring purposes, and dosage modifications are made as appropriate.
The dog will be gradually weaned off the drug under supervision if the disease was brought on by the use of corticosteroid treatment, and symptoms should go away.
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Once your dog starts receiving treatment for Cushing’s disease, you must be ready for your pet to take medicine for the rest of its life. You must keep an eye out for any negative effects of these drugs. Loss of energy, weakness, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and occasionally trouble walking are typical symptoms of an adverse reaction. If you have any of these negative effects, stop taking the drug right once and get in touch with your doctor.
In these situations or during times of stress when your pet may need more cortisol to react to the situation, they may also give some corticosteroid medicine.Unfortunately, this illness is typically not curable. Instead, it is controlled to ensure that your dog has a long and healthy life. Your dog will feel better faster if you start Cushing’s syndrome therapy right away. Although massage treatment can be safe for cancer patients, you should first speak with your pet’s doctor. Any direct pressure applied to a tumor is generally not recommended
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has helped you learn more about Cushing diseases in dogs. If you have any further questions, contact your veterinarian for additional information.
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