Just like humans, dogs can develop endocrine disorders, including Cushing's disease. Treatment options are available for canine Cushing's disease. Depending on a dog's age and overall health, a veterinarian could recommend surgery, medication or nutritional therapy to deal with the disease.
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Cushing's Disease
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Canine Cushing's disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, occurs when a dog's adrenal glands produce more of the hormone cortisol than the dog's body needs or can handle. It is common in dogs and usually occurs in dogs over the age of six. It can be caused by either an overproduction of hormones by the dog's pituitary gland or by tumors growing on the dog's adrenal glands.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of canine Cushing's disease include hair loss on the dog's body, but not on its head or legs. The dog's appetite increases. It drinks more water and will then need to urinate more often. The dog's belly could swell, giving it a pot-bellied appearance. The dog's owner will notice that the dog's skin appears thin and easily bruised, according to Washington State University.
Nutritional Therapy
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For owners who prefer a more conservative treatment approach for their dog's Cushing's disease, nutritional therapy is an option. The elevated cortisone in a dog's system will cause protein depletion. Feeding a dog a high-protein diet will help to counteract the protein loss. In the meantime, treatment for secondary health problems associated with Cushing's disease, such as bladder infections and corneal ulceration, can help to keep the dog comfortable, according to "The Complete Home Veterinary Guide."
Medical Treatment
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Nutritional therapy can also be used to help support medical treatment for canine Cushing's disease. Feeding a dog a high-protein diet while it undergoes surgery or chemotherapy to remove adrenal tumors can help support its system through treatment. Medication is available to treat Cushing's disease caused by pituitary problems. While waiting for the medication to take effect, you can give your dog nutritional therapy can help to counteract the effects of the disease.
Considerations
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With nutritional therapy alone, a dog with Cushing's disease could survive for two years. With surgery or medical treatment, dogs can survive much longer. The medication required to treat Cushing's disease can be expensive, and there is a risk of serious complication from surgery. A veterinarian can advise you about which treatment methods will work best for your dog.
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