Cushing's disease is the common name
for a disease called hyperadrenocorticism that most commonly affects
dogs. It's caused by a hyperactive adrenal gland that pumps too many
steroids and other hormones into the bloodstream. It can also be caused
by a growth (tumor) in the adrenal gland or the pituitary gland. Most
dogs with Cushing's disease are at least six years old, but the disease
can also occur in younger dogs.
Symptoms
The adrenal gland produces a wide range
of hormones and Cushing's disease can cause the overproduction of any
one or more of them. Because of this, the symptoms of the disease can
vary widely, and they can be extremely subtle.
In dogs, Cushing's disease will often
cause the overproduction of hormones called glucocorticoids, which are
steroids. This will cause some of a dog's muscle to break down, giving
him a thin-legged, potbellied look. It can also hurt a dog's ability to
concentrate urine, making him drink and urinate a lot.
The steroids can suppress the immune
system, as well, so dogs can sometimes get secondary infections. And
the pancreas can be affected, causing vomiting and often diarrhea.
Other symptoms include hair loss,
calcified lumps under the skin, increased appetite, panting and high
blood pressure.
Diagnosis
Unfortunately, Cushing's disease is
difficult to diagnose. There is no one test to identify it.
Veterinarians will generally perform several blood and urine tests and
compare the results to normal levels. Follow-up x-rays and/or
ultrasonography can help reveal the presence or absence of a tumor.
Treatment
Cushing's can be treated both medically
and surgically, depending on how severe the symptoms are and the general
health of the animal. Two options are removing the growth that
stimulates the hormone and prescribing medications that slow down
production in the adrenal gland. The majority of dogs are treated
medically.
Surgical treatment of Cushing's carries
significant risks and should be reserved for cases where medical
treatment has proved ineffective.
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Prognosis
Cushing's disease in itself is rarely
life threatening. By weakening the immune
system, it can make animals more vulnerable to other diseases, and
it can cause fatigue and exercise intolerance. Sometimes it doesn't
cause any symptoms at all.
The main issue with the disease is
whether it's damaging your pet's quality of life. If so, then consult
with your veterinarian about the best way to help your pet return to a
healthy, comfortable life.
