Cushing's disease results when the body produces excess amounts of cortisol, in the adrenal gland. Corticosteroids, a tumor on the adrenal gland, or a tumor on the pituitary gland. The disease commonly afflicts dogs age six and over.
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Common Symptoms
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Cushing's disease causes thinning of a dog's skin, loss of hair and swelling of the belly. Other common symptoms include more frequent urination and increased drinking and appetite.
Other Symptoms
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Other possible, but less common, symptoms of Cushing's include difficulty breathing and panting. Blood clots can form in the lungs of some dogs.
Diagnosing Cushing's
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The first step to a diagnosis of Cushing's disease is a blood panel, followed by a urine test. Cushing's is suggested if blood sugar, white blood cell count and serum alkaline phosphatase are elevated.
Low-Dose Dexamethasone Test
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A low-dose dexamethasone test may be performed after the initial blood test to confirm the diagnosis. Blood is drawn, then dexamethasone is injected, and blood is drawn eight hours later for comparison. Dexamethasone acts to suppress cortisol. However cortisol will not be suppressed in a dog with Cushing's.
Treatment
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Cushing's disease can be treated by stopping corticosteroid treatments, such as prednisone injections used for treating autoimmune diseases, or by removing the tumor on the adrenal gland, or by giving the dog medication for the rest of his or her life.
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