Here our Huntersville vets share more about the causes of Cushing's disease in dogs, as well as possible complications and available treatments. Cortisol is a natural steroid that helps to regulate proper body weight, tissue structure, skin condition, and more. Officially called hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing's disease is a clinical condition that can put your pooch at risk of several serious conditions and illnesses, from kidney damage to diabetes.
Adrenal-dependent Cushing's disease occurs when a tumor on one or both of the adrenal glands leads to an excess of cortisol. If your dog is suffering from Cushing's disease you may notice one or more of the above symptoms.
Many signs of Cushing's disease are vague but it's important to take your pup to see your vet for an examination if you notice that they are displaying any of the common symptoms of Cushing's. Diagnostic testing is required to diagnose Cushing's disease since there are a number of conditions that share similar symptoms.
An adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH stimulation test is a blood test frequently used when diagnosing Cushing's disease in dogs. Other tests that your vet may recommend include urinalysis, urine culture, various adrenal function tests, a full chemistry panel, and a complete blood panel.
That said the use of MRI can be costly. Our in-house lab and diagnostic tools allow us to quickly identify and manage conditions such as Cushing's in pets. This disorder causes the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol. The adrenal glands in your dog are located next to the kidneys. Here a variety of hormones are produced by the outer cortex:. This is when the pituitary gland overproduces the hormone ACTH. This triggers excessive levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
However, in some cases there is a survival rate of two years. This means regular check-ups, blood work, and the administration of any required medication. Other treatment options involve destroying enough of the adrenal gland to reduce the secretion of cortisol when administered very carefully. Oral medications can suppress cortisol production and will be needed for life. As these drugs can have serious potential side-effects your dog will need to be tested frequently.
Common side effects include are poor appetite, vomiting, and lack of energy. More serious complications can involve collapse, severe hormone imbalances, destruction of the adrenal glands, and even death.
Generally, a untreated dog can live as long as a treated dog but with side effects. Adrenal gland tumors, if cancerous, can spread to other parts of the body if the cancer is not removed by surgery. Surgical removal of the tumor generally eliminates the need for lifelong medication. Some signs will disappear quickly and others gradually. Appetite and water consumption usually return to normal in a few weeks, but full return of fur lost may take several months.
With pituitary surgery, roughly 85 to 95 percent of dogs who have the tumor removed no longer have a hormonal imbalance or neurological symptoms.
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