Pituitary Cushing's Disease

Pituitary Function

• Pituitary Cushing's disease is the term given to Cushing's disease when it is based on a pituitary dysfunction. The pituitary gland produces the ACTH hormone, which triggers the adrenal gland to produce and release cortisol into a dog's blood stream.

Pituitary Deficiency

• Malfunctioning pituitary glands release too much ACTH, which causes overproduction of cortisol in the adrenal glands. Although it is not directly responsible for cortisol, the pituitary gland malfunction accounts for the majority of Cushing's disease cases because it is an important part of the supply chain.

Causes

• "The most common cause of Cushing's disease is a microscopic, benign pituitary tumor," according to Kate Connick's Courteous Canines, LLC. Pituitary Cushing's disease is also caused by deformed pituitary gland or pituitary glands that break down with age. This is considered a genetic disease, and runs in certain bloodlines. Pituitary Cushing's disease, unlike adrenal Cushing's disease, cannot be brought on by external factors.

Treatments

• All Cushing's disease cases are treated through medication and management. Drugs seek to control the production and release of cortisol, while owners learn to manage their dog's lifestyle to keep him healthy. For pituitary Cushing's disease, veterinarians prescribe medications that control the production and release of ACTH. If a tumor is the cause of Cushing's disease and it can be safely removed, surgery is done to remove it.

Considerations

• Although Cushing's disease is a treatable disorder, over treatment can damage dogs in other ways. Addison's disease is at the opposite end of the spectrum--a lack of cortisol in a dog's body. Cushing's disease treatment schedules that are too aggressive can push a dog over into Addison's disease territory.