High cortisol is a dangerous condition if left untreated. Dogs with this condition, otherwise known as canine Cushing's disease, may develop the problem one of a number of ways.
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Allergies
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Dogs with allergies are most likely prescribed medication. This medication contains glucocorticoids that can cause iatrogenic hyperandrenocorticism (excessive amounts of cortisol).
Iatrogenic Hyperandreno Corticism
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Iatrogenic hyperandrenocorticism pumps excess cortisol into the dog's body and although the adrenal glands try to stop producing natural cortisol, it is not possible. This is the most treatable type of Cushings disease because the dog will stop taking the medication and the problem will slowly vanish.
Pituiatary Dependent Hyperadrenocoricism
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About 85% of dogs with high levels of cortisol have Pituiatary Dependent Hyperadrenocoricism which causes the adrenal gland to produce an excessive amount of cortisol.
Tumors
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Pituiatary dependent hyperadrenocoricism is often caused by a tumor on the adrenal gland that stimulates the gland to produce more cortisol than is necessary.
Adrenal-Caused
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The remaining 10% to 15% of cases where dogs have excessive amounts of cortisol come from a tumor on the adrenal gland that produces cortisol. This is known as adrenal-caused Cushings disease.
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