Cushing's disease strikes older dogs and dogs of specific breeds. Once a dog has Cushing's, it is a lifelong disorder. Although Cushing's can be managed through diet and medication and is not fatal on its own, it can lead to dangerous secondary infections.
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Function
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Cushing's disease is, at its base, an imbalance in a dog's hormones. Pressure on the pituitary gland, usually caused by a tumor in the brain, results in that gland releasing too much cortisol into the body. Since cortisol is a stress hormone, this overabundance causes the body to overreact, and quickens the aging process.
The symptoms of Cushing's are similar to standard signs of aging. Dogs grow extremely thirsty and have a tendency to urinate in the house. They grow irritated and their coats become patchy and dull. Cushing's can also cause hair loss and a pot-bellied appearance.
Treatments
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Treatment for Cushing's include a lifelong plan of managed diet and medication. Cushing's medications seek to control the pituitary gland and restrict its release of cortisol. If the disorder is cased by an operable tumor in the brain, the tumor may be surgically removed to allow the pituitary gland to return to regular function.
Selegiline HCL
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Selegiline HCL is also known as dephrenyl and Anipryl. This medication is used to combat Cushing's when it is caused by a malfunction in the pituitary gland. The medication triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, which in turn restricts the production of stress hormones like cortisol. This drug is becoming common as a Cushing's management prescription.
History
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Selegiline HCL was introduced into veterinary medicine in 1996 and became popular almost immediately. It is used only against pituitary Cushing's disease, as it controls the hormone released by the pituitary gland. Selegiline HCL replaced Lysodrine, which had shown some negative side effects in dogs, such as destruction of sections of the adrenal gland, anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea. Selegiline HCL was developed as a gentler way to control the hormones.
Side Effects
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Unlike some other Cushing's medications, selegiline HCL has positive aspects. The AMCA newsletter states that in both practice and in lab tests, it has been shown to avoid destroying other aspects of the brain, and actually restores the character of the dog. Dogs on this drug demonstrate increased energy and activity, and start to interact more with their families.
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