Canine Adrenal Disease

Adrenal disease in canines involves any disorders that cause an impairment in the function of the adrenal glands. The two types of canine adrenal disease disorders include Addison's disease and Cushing's disease. Both of these disorders are very serious in dogs and require immediate medical attention.

  1. Adrenal Function

    • The adrenal glands are two small organs located next to each kidney. They regulate a dog's metabolism and stress levels. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This hormone aids in helping your dog adapt to physiological stress. Without cortisol, the smallest amount of stress can cause severe physical damage.

    Addison's Disease

    • When the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, Addison's disease develops. Although any dog can develop this disease, it mostly affects younger female dogs. The symptoms of Addison's disease are lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and muscle weakness.

    Cushing's Disease

    • Cushing's disease is a more common canine adrenal disease caused by the opposite conditions of Addison's disease. When an abnormally high level of cortisol is present in the blood for a long period of time (weeks or months), Cushing's disease develops. The symptoms of this disease include hair loss, incontinence, increased appetite, excessive drinking and urination, lethargy, excessive panting and skin lumps.

    Causes

    • Eighty-five percent of Cushing's disease cases in dogs are caused by a benign tumor in the pituitary gland. Other cases are a result of a tumor in one or both of the adrenal glands. The most common cause of Addison's disease in dogs is the destruction of the adrenal gland tissue by the immune system. Certain infections, diseases and cancers of the pituitary gland can also cause Addison's disease.

    Treatment

    • The treatment for Addison's disease involves the use of drugs to replace the low levels of cortisol in your dog's body. Fludrocortisone is the drug most commonly prescribed for this condition; however, desoxycorticosterone pivalate is another injectable option that is administered once a month. For Cushing's disease, medications are available to help the adrenal glands regulate cortisol properly. Mitotane and ketaconazole are two of the most common drugs used to treat Cushing's disease. Also, if any tumors are present due to this disease, they can be surgically removed.