Medications for Canine Cushing's Disease

Canine Cushing's disease is a disease causing a dog's body to produce too much glucocorticoid hormone. Symptoms of the disease include increased thirst, urination and appetite, abdominal enlargement, thin skin, and loss of hair. Veterinary treatment is required and may include the use of medication to regulate the disease and its symptoms.

  1. Lysodren

    • Lysodren is a commonly used treatment for Cushing's disease. While this treatment is inexpensive and easy to use, it may cause side effects and must be used under close veterinary supervision. This drug destroys the cells of the adrenal gland (the gland that produces the hormone glucocorticoid) in the same way that chemotherapy destroys cancerous cells. The medication is given daily, and regular blood tests and veterinary examinations are required to monitor progress and problems during treatment. Potential side effects of Lysodren include diarrhea, lethargy and vomiting. Lysodren therapy must be continued for the rest of your dog's life.

    Trilostane

    • This treatment is a more expensive, but may prove to also be effective for dogs with adrenal tumors as well as Cushing's disease. This drug requires the same amount of veterinary supervision (as well as tests and examinations) as treatment with Lysodren. The initial dosage of Trilostane is usually increased after several months of treatment. Trilostane is a long-term therapy for Cushing's disease and must be continued throughout your dog's life.

    Ketaconazole

    • Ketaconazole is a common treatment for conditions such as ringworm, as it is an oral antifungal medication. Ketaconazole, however, also interrupts the production of steroid hormones (such as glucocorticoid), so it has been used as a treatment for canine Cushing's disease. Treatment with Ketaconazole is rare today, as most veterinarians prefer to use one of the drugs listed above.

    L-deprenyl (Anipryl)

    • Anipryl is another drug used to treat canine Cushing's disease. This medication is used as an alternative to Lysodren as the side effects it produces are less harmful than those of Lysodren. Anipryl works well in a little less than half of dogs suffering from Cushing's disease, making it a good option if your dog reacts badly to other medications.