Owners of dogs recently diagnosed with Cushing's disease may feel confused and may be concerned about the outcome of the situation. Indeed, the disease is still often misunderstood, leaving owners with a trail of doubts and many questions. One of the most common is ''What will my dog's prognosis be?''
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Considerations
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Cushing's disease derives from the overproduction of cortisone, the hormone responsible for regulating a variety of bodily functions. Because there are different causes of the disease, the prognosis varies on a case-by-case basis.
Types
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Cushing's disease may be due to the presence of benign or malignant tumors on the pituitary gland or the adrenal glands. A third form of Cushing's disease is caused by the excessive administration of corticosteroids.
Pituitary Gland Tumors
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This form of Cushing's disease is not treatable and the tumors are generally not removed; therefore the goal is to reduce the symptoms with the use of medications. The prognosis of benign tumors is generally good, but in dogs with malignant tumors it is much less favorable.
Adrenal Gland Tumors
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If the adrenal gland tumor can be surgically removed, there may be good chances of a complete recovery, but the surgery may be risky. The prognosis for malignant pituitary tumors is much less favorable.
Excess Corticosteroids
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Prednisone may cause Cushing's in dogs. Dogs affected by Cushing's disease due to excessive administration of corticosteroids have a good prognosis because the condition generally reverses once the dog comes off the medication.
Conclusion
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When managed well, dogs with Cushing may lead happy lives. Dogs affected by benign tumors generally may live several happy years when the disease is well managed; on the other hand, the prognosis is much less favorable in dogs affected by malignant tumors or tumors that are left untreated.
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