Cushing's disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, occurs when the body produces too much cortisol, a stress hormone. Many animals, such as dogs and cats, can develop Cushing's disease. In canines, while the disease is usually chronic, it is rarely fatal, as long as the disease is properly treated.
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Cushing's Disease
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According to Long Beach Animal Hospital, Cushing's disease affects the adrenal and pituitary glands, which in turn affect everything from muscular development to skin health. Adrenal glands produce cortisol, an important stress hormone. When too much cortisol is produced, the entire hormonal balance is thrown off and will manifest in many kinds of physical deterioration. With Cushing's disease, a cancer or tumor affects the adrenal or pituitary glands, causing too much cortisol in the dog. It is the physical manifestations, more so than the disease itself, that can destroy the dog's health.
Dogs Commonly Affected
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Dogs most likely to develop Cushing's disease are older. For that reason, Cushing's disease is sometimes misdiagnosed as various aging conditions. Certain breeds such as poodles, dachshunds, boxers, beagles and Yorkshire terriers are more susceptible to the disease than others. Dogs undergoing supplemental cortisone treatment can develop Cushing's.
Symptoms
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According to Kate Connick's Courteous Pets, canine Cushing's disease has many symptoms. Some symptoms may be mistaken for common aging, making it important for an owner to note any irregularities in his or her dog's behavior. Symptoms of canine Cushing's disease include loss of muscle mass or an increase in body fat, excessive thirst, lethargy, increased urination (including indoor accidents), sensitivity to heat, a dull, damaged coat or irritated skin, bouts of infections, pancreatitis or the development of diabetes.
Diagnosis
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Cushing's disease has many symptoms that both a dog owner and veterinarian may mistake for normal aging. However, according to Dog Owner's Guide, a veterinarian can diagnose Cushing's disease with a blood test. Other tools for diagnosis are an ultrasound and radiography.
Treatment
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To treat Cushing's, the veterinarian must determine the specific cause of the disease. If the Cushing's-related tumors are in the adrenal glands, they can sometimes be removed, effectively relieving the disease. For pituitary tumors and pituitary-induced Cushing's, the condition is chronic and drugs serve as therapies rather than treatments. Drugs such as Lysodren and Ketoconazole are commonly prescribed.
However, it is the symptoms of Cushing's disease that eventually kill the dog, not the disease itself. Examples would be diabetes, liver damage and heart failure. Therefore, Cushing's must always be treated with its manifestations in mind. Forgoing treatment can eventually kill the dog, but with proper and regular care, a dog with Cushing's can live a comfortable life.
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