When normal body functions are interrupted by illness, injury or age, a condition known as Cushing's disease might develop. In dogs the symptoms often resemble normal aging, and too often, Cushing's isn't suspected until the disease has markedly progressed. In most cases, prompt medical attention can ward off more serious complications, such as brain injury and seizures.
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What is Cushing's Disease?
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Cushing's disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, usually affects dogs at least 6 years old. It involves the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys) or the pituitary (located at the base of the brain), which controls the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland is responsible for the production of cortisol, steroid hormones that when overproduced can be responsible for a number of symptoms consistent with Cushing's and other conditions and diseases.
Causes and Diagnosis
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About 85 percent of Cushing's diagnoses indicate tumors on the pituitary gland. The other 15 percent are attributed to tumors on the adrenal glands.
There is no simple test for Cushing's, and often it is not suspected until more serious symptoms present. Blood tests showing increases in white blood cells, liver enzymes, increased blood sugars and cholesterol, along with a physical exam and history, are often the first clue that Cushing's is present.
Symptoms
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Signs that a dog might be critically ill (vomiting, diarrhea, pain, bleeding and seizures) do not normally occur with Cushing's, so symptoms such as muscle weakness and lethargy are often attributed to normal aging. Hair loss, increased drinking and urination, and a potbellied appearance are among signs not always recognized as Cushing's.
Advanced cases can produce thinner skin and weakened blood vessels that can encourage bruising. A compromised immune system might also open the door for bacterial infections, most often in the bladder or on the skin.
Cushing's Disease and Seizures
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Although symptoms do not usually include seizures, it is possible that tumors on the pituitary, located at base of the brain, can put enough pressure on the brain that neurological symptoms such as seizures can occur. Advanced Cushing's can also cause strokes, which can lead to seizures.
If diabetes develops as a result of Cushing's, seizures due to overdoses of insulin resulting from hyperglycemia can occur.
Treatment
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Cushing's involving the pituitary gland can be treated with drugs, probably on a lifelong basis. Frequent blood tests would be required to monitor the amount of cortisol being released from the adrenal gland. In most cases, a return to normal function is possible within a few weeks.
Adrenal gland tumors should be surgically removed. If the tumors have spread to other parts of the body, surgery will probably not be a successful solution to the disease.
Complications
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Untreated Cushing's can result in diabetes, congestive heart failure, liver and kidney failure, chronic hyperthyroidism, and bacterial infections most often involving the skin and bladder. Seizures are a rare but possible side effect of the disease.
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