Hyperadrenocorticism is a chemical imbalance that can affect dogs, cats and horses. Although it is not fatal, hyperadrenocorticism does require management through medication and diet.
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Identification
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Hyperadrenocorticism, commonly known as Cushing's disease, is caused by overproduction of the hormone cortisol. It presents as a dog being overly hungry and thirsty and eventually getting a pot-bellied appearance, with hair loss and thin skin.
Causes
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Hyperadrenocorticism is caused by a tumor in the dog's brain. Tumors in either the pituitary or adrenal glands put pressure on the pituitary, which then begins to overproduce cortisol.
Special Diet
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Because cortisol is a steroid, it causes a dog's body to become overactive. One of the side effects is that a dog with Cushing's is constantly hungry. A special hyperadrenocorticism diet needs to satisfy this hunger while helping to control cortisol levels.
Features
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Special diets should always depend on the individual dog. Cushing's dogs should generally eat high-protein, low-fiber, low-fat and low-purine diets. Water should not be restricted, nor should sodium. Calcium and potassium supplements should be balanced and consistent.
Considerations
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Cushing's can be secondary to other conditions, such as diabetes. Any special diet should take all conditions into account, rather than treating one and allowing the other to grow worse.
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