Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol is an important hormone that regulates a number of different functions in a dog̵7;s body. The amount of cortisol can get out of balance, however, and cause adverse effects on a dog̵7;s health. In the beginning, symptoms of cortisol imbalance in dogs can be very subtle, but as the animal ages, the effects can cause increasing problems and even death.
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What Cortisol Does
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Cortisol is often called the stress hormone because it is released into the body as a response to stress in the ̶0;fight or flight̶1; mechanism. It raises blood pressure, releases blood sugar in the system, adjusts the immune response, stimulates gastric secretion, controls sodium and potassium, and acts as an anti-diuretic. These functions help the animal respond to stressful conditions, but when cortisol levels are not regulated properly, body systems can be damaged by too little or too much cortisol hormone in the bloodstream.
How Cortisol is Measured
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When problems with a dog̵7;s cortisol levels are suspected, the veterinarian can do a test that determines the ratio of cortisol and creatinine in the animal̵7;s urine. If this test shows a possible problem, the vet will take blood from the dog in order to do a dexamethasone suppression test to see if the cortisol level is too high, or an ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) stimulation test to see if the cortisol level is too low. These tests will allow the veterinarian to determine how cortisol is being produced in the dog̵7;s body and how best to treat the imbalance.
Symptoms of Too Much Cortisol
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Symptoms of the production of too much cortisol in dogs are increased thirst, increased urination, pot-bellied appearance, excessive panting, reduced activity, fragile skin, hair loss and increased appetite. This disorder is known as Cushing̵7;s disease and is usually diagnosed during middle age. The disease is more prevalent in some dog breeds, though any breed can suffer from it. The disease is caused by tumors on the adrenal gland or pituitary gland.
Symptoms of Too Little Cortisol
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Dogs with too little cortisol production in their bodies may have vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, poor appetite, muscle weakness or ̶0;shivering,̶1; and can suddenly go into shock. It your dog has experienced these symptoms, ask your vet to test its cortisol levels. Testing the animal̵7;s sodium and potassium levels can also diagnose the problem. Underproduction of cortisol is known as Addision̵7;s disease.
Treating Cortisol Problems
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To treat Cushing̵7;s disease, the production of too much cortisol, the veterinarian will prescribe medications such as Lysodren, Vetoryl, or Anipryl for your dog to stop the overproduction of the hormone. Treatment is life-long, and periodic blood tests must be done. Addison̵7;s disease in dogs is treated with Florinef, which may be given along with prednisone. Sodium levels may also be adjusted. Ongoing treatment is required.
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