Cushing's disease in dogs is also known as hyperadrenocorticism. The adrenal glands, two small glands in front of your dog's kidneys, are responsible for this condition. When the adrenal glands produce excess cortisone over an extended period of time, the result is hyperadrenocorticism. Although Cushing's disease in dogs is treatable, there is not always a cure, depending on its cause. It is best to focus on making an affected pet as comfortable as possible.
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Description
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Cushing's disease usually strikes older dogs, with symptoms that can be similar to other diseases. The disease can cause an increase in appetite, drinking and urination, panting, high blood pressure, a bulging stomach, hair loss, muscle loss, and nervous system disorders. The adrenal glands, which are regulated by the pituitary gland, produce a substance called cortisol, which is a complex of steroid hormones that helps to regulate body weight, mineral balance, and the structure of connective tissue, production of some white blood cells, and healthy skin. Adrenal glands are stimulated to produce the cortisol by the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland. Cushing's disease can be a result of a tumor of the adrenal glands or of the pituitary gland.
Signs &Symptoms
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One sign of advanced Cushing's disease is usually a visibly bulging "pot belly," which is a result of a decrease in muscle tone while the cortisol is telling the body to break down fat and deliver it to the liver for processing. What the liver cannot process is stored in the belly. Another sign is a loss of hair on both sides of your dog's entire body, with possible skin infections. Cushing's disease also causes an increase in appetite, drinking, urination, panting, lumps on the skin, weakening of the heart and skeletal muscles and diabetes.
Diagnosis
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Cushing's disease can be diagnosed through several blood tests. In a low dose dexamethasone test, a blood sample is drawn in the morning, an injection of dexamethasone given and a follow-up blood test done eight hours later. Once the disease is diagnosed, it is possible to differentiate between the adrenal tumors and pituitary gland tumors using another higher dose dexamethasone suppression test. X-rays and ultrasounds can help determine if an adrenal gland tumor is present. It is important to differentiate whether the Cushing's disease is caused by adrenal tumors or pituitary gland tumors in order to determine the appropriate treatment.
Treatment
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Most veterinarians prefer to treat Cushing's disease with drug therapy. The adrenal gland can sometimes be surgically removed by a specialist, but because of the risks involved, this option is usually frowned upon, especially if the dog is up in years. Pituitary gland tumors are not surgically removed but treated with drug therapy. This situation is treated using Lysodren, Ketaconazole or Deprenyl. Lysodren selectively kills the outer layer of the adrenal gland that produces the cortisol. Administering the proper amounts will keep the production of corticosteroids (cortisol) to normal levels. Adverse reactions to Lysodren occur at times but it is the standard treatment of choice. Ketaconazole and Deprenyl are less effective. Side effects of Lysodren can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and weakness, so you need to monitor your dog during treatment for any of these signs and call your veterinarian.
Prevention/Solution
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Even though there is treatment for advanced Cushing's disease, it is not always curable depending on its exact cause, so focus making your pet as comfortable as possible. Treatment is a means of providing a better quality of life for your dog rather than extending longevity. If left untreated, Cushing's disease can progress to other life-threatening conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver failure, kidney failure, diabetes, neurological disorders, infections of the mouth, ears, skin and urinary tract. With the suggested treatment by your veterinarian, your dog can live with the disease several more quality years.
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