Canine Cushing's Disease & Lab Results

Vets perform specific tests for Cushing's disease to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the type of Cushing's disease that is present: pituitary-dependent or adrenal-dependent. Specific tests for Cushing's disease have varied results.

  1. Identification

    • Cushing's disease is a type of cancer. Too much adrenal hormone in the body causes this disease. No single test exists to diagnose Cushing's disease.

    Symptoms

    • This is a disease of older dogs; the disease goes untreated in younger dogs because the symptoms so closely relate to aging. Urination problems, increased thirst, vomiting, indigestion, loss of hair and a pot-bellied appearance are signs of the illness.

    Types

    • The types of lab tests conducted include white-blood-cell count, liver enzyme ALP (also called SAP or serum alkaline phosphatase), blood sugar, cholesterol and dilute urine.

    Treatment

    • The treatment of the most common type of Cushing's disease (pituitary-dependent) is lifelong oral medication. Your vet will most commonly prescribe Lysodren or Mitotane and Trilostane to treat this cancer. Occasionally ketoconazole or L-Deprenyl are used, but these are less effective than Trilostane or Mitotane.

    Effects of Lysodren

    • Overmedication with Lysodren can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and weakness. If any of these side effects occur, notify your veterinarian immediately.

    Warning

    • Commercial dog food can cause or worsen Cushing's disease; meat byproducts in store-bought food are the culprits.