Cushing's disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition where the adrenal glands of dogs become overactive and start producing too much of the hormone cortisol. While a normal amount of cortisol is beneficial to the body in times of stress, according to Ann Stohlman, a veterinarian in FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine, excessive amounts can cause the immune system to weaken and become prone to diseases and infections. There are effective medications to help control cortisol production and allow dogs to live a good life.
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Types
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Cushing's disease may be pituitary-dependent and adrenal-dependent. About 80 to 85 percent of dogs suffer from the pituitary dependent form, according to Dr. Douglas Brum, whereas the remaining 15 to 20 percent suffer from the adrenal form. Some dogs may suffer from a third type of Cushing's known as iatrogenic Cushing's disease. In this case, the excessive production of cortisol hormones is caused by the long-term administration of corticosteroids. This form of Cushing's is transient and reverses once the dog is tapered off the corticosteroid medication.
Prevention/Solution
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Most veterinarians prefer administering medications rather than putting the dog through surgery. The only way to permanently cure both the pituitary and adrenal form of Cushing's is through surgery. However, because there are various challenges and risks associated with surgery, most veterinarians prefer to treat Cushing's with medication, according to Ann Stohlman, V.M.D. In order to be effective, medication must be given for the rest of the dog's life and routine blood work must be conducted to ensure the dog is receiving the correct dose.
Vetoryl
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Vetoryl, also known by the generic name trilostane, is the first drug made for treating both pituitary and adrenal dependent Cushing's disease in dogs, according to FDA.gov. This FDA-approved drug is currently available in capsules, and works by stopping all together the production of cortisol in the adrenal glands. As with any medications, Vetoryl may cause several side effects, the most common being vomiting, lack of energy, diarrhea and weight loss.
Anipryl
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Anipryl, also known under the generic name selegiline, is an FDA-approved drug primarily used to treat canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome in senior dogs. However, this medication has turned out to be helpful for dogs suffering from Cushing's disease. One disadvantage of this prescription medication is that it mainly benefits only dogs affected by the pituitary dependent form of Cushing's disease, according to Dr. Dawn Ruben.
Lysodren
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Lyodren, also known as mitotane, is a chemotherapy drug commonly used for humans and currently not approved by the FDA for use in animals. Veterinarians, however, have been legally prescribing this drug to treat Cushing's disease in dogs as an ''extra label drug." This medication works by destroying the cells of the adrenal glands, reducing their capability of producing cortisol. This action, as a consequence, significantly lowers the concentration of cortisol in the blood, according to Dr. Karin Szust.
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