Breeds of Dogs That Get Cushing's Disease

Cushing's disease is more prevalent in some breeds than others, and early signs can easily be missed. It is a problem mainly affecting senior dogs, which may already be suffering from other ailments, such as diabetes. The symptoms that do show, such as a general slowing down or excessive panting, could easily be put down to the aging process.

  1. Cushings Disease

    • Cushing's disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is a chronic rather than a fatal disease and can be treated by a veterinary surgeon. It results from the overproduction of glucocorticoid in the body, which is normally controlled by the pituitary and adrenal glands. There are two main forms of the disease: pituitary dependant hyperadrenocorticism (accounting for around 80 percent of cases) and adrenal-based hyperadrenocorticism. Cushing's can also occur due to overprescription of steroids, but it will go away once the steroids are stopped.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms include increased water consumption and need to pass urine, increased appetite, bloating of the abdomen, hair loss and thin skin, increased panting, lethargy, persistent skin infections and general muscle weakness.

    Breeds

    • Dachshunds may develop Cushing's as they get older.

      Some breeds are more susceptible than others to Cushing's, with Yorkshire terriers, beagles, poodles, Boston terriers, boxers and dachshunds being at the top of the list. Males and females are equally affected, though those that have been neutered might be at greater risk of developing the disease.

    Underlying Problems

    • Because symptoms are varied in affected breeds, underlying problems such as kidney, urinary or skin infections are usually treated with antibiotics, before the root cause of the Cushing's is addressed.

    Treatment

    • The range of treatment options depends upon the type of disease present, from surgery (should a tumor be present on the adrenal gland) to drug treatment. The most widely used medication is Lysodren, which works by destroying the adrenal cells that produce corticosteroids. Medication is continued until the required effect is achieved and is carefully monitored by the veterinarian.