Cushing’s disease in dogs
What is Cushing’s disease in dogs? (Hyperadrenocorticism)
Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a abnormal condition that commonly affects dogs when their adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, a steroid hormone that regulates many bodily functions. It can affect dogs of all ages, but it is most commonly seen in dogs over the age of 6. This excess of cortisol can cause a wide range of symptoms, including increased thirst and appetite, weight gain, hair loss, and more. In this topic, we will explore important facts that you need to know about Cushing’s disease in dogs, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
What are the Causes of Cushing’s disease in dogs?
Cushing’s disease can caused by several causes, but the most common is a tumor in the pituitary gland (small gland located at base of brain), which causes excess production of hormone called ACTH that over-stimulates the adrenal glands to produce abnormally high level of cortisol. In other cases, Cushing’s disease can be caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland (a gland in belly just behind kidney} itself, which produces excessive cortisol production. Less commonly, Cushing’s disease can be caused by long-term steroid use as a treatment for another condition (Iatrogenic cause).
Symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs
The symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Increased appetite
- Unexplained weight gain
- Hair loss, and a pot-bellied appearance.
- Repeated urinary tract (UTI) and skin infections
- Other possible symptoms include lethargy and panting
Diagnosis of Cushing’s disease in dogs
There are several diagnostic tests that can be used to diagnose Cushing’s disease in dogs. These tests are designed to measure the level of cortisol in the blood and urine to check whether dogs have abnormally high level of cortisol in their body. Following are the common tests utilized to diagnose cushing’s disease in dogs.
- Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDS): This test involves administering a low dose of dexamethasone, a steroid, and then measuring cortisol levels in the blood at different time points. If the cortisol levels remain high, this suggests that the dog has Cushing’s disease.
- ACTH stimulation test: This test involves measuring the cortisol levels in the blood before and after administering synthetic ACTH, a hormone that stimulates the production of cortisol. If the cortisol levels remain high after ACTH administration, this suggests that the dog has Cushing’s disease.
- Urine cortisol/creatinine ratio: This test involves collecting a urine sample and measuring the ratio of cortisol to creatinine. If the ratio is high, this suggests that the dog has Cushing’s disease.
- Abdominal ultrasound: This test can be used to visualize the adrenal glands and detect any abnormalities or tumors.
Treatment of Cushing’s disease in dogs
The treatment of Cushing’s disease in dogs depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the disease. If the disease is caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland, medication can be used to suppress the production of cortisol. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor. If the disease is caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland, surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor. If the disease is caused by long-term steroid use, gradually reducing the dose of steroids may help to resolve the symptoms.
Life of dogs with Cushing’s disease:
With appropriate treatment, many dogs can live normal, happy lives for several years after diagnosis. However, Cushing’s disease can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, and life long treatment. If you suspect that your dog may be suffering from Cushing’s disease, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. With prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many dogs can lead normal, happy lives despite their condition.
Note: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian before starting any treatment for your dog.
