Most of us envision our lives with our dogs to be fun and worry free. For most of us, this seems to be true. Aside from regular veterinary checkups, our dogs stay fairly happy and healthy with very few incidents of illness. For some dogs, however, whether due to genetic anomalies, age, exposure, or unknown circumstances, a happy healthy life doesn't happen as planned. Illnesses sometimes happen, which can require a lot of care and extra attention. One of these is Cushing's Disease or hyperadrenocorticism. This disease is caused by an excess amount of Cortisol in your dog's blood stream, which can result in a suppressed immune system, among other things.
What is Cushing's Disease:
Cushing's Disease is a condition in which too much of the steroid Cortisol is in your pet's blood. This can be caused by two things: an adrenal tumor or a pituitary tumor. While both conditions result in an excess of Cortisol, they are treated differently. It is most frequent in dogs 6 years of age or older, and the symptoms are commonly mistaken for normal aging in dogs. If left untreated, your dog can become seriously ill as a result of Cushing's Disease, and most untreated cases result in death due to secondary infections of a suppressed immune system. Many dogs suffering from Cushing's Disease are euthanized, with many dog owners believing their dog is becoming ill due to old age.
What are the Symptoms of Cushing's Disease:
Some of the symptoms associated with Cushing's Disease are quite vague and indecipherable from other illnesses or simply aging. Analysis of the symptoms and your pet's medical history, coupled with blood tests and possibly ultrasound to locate a tumor on the adrenal glands may then be used to diagnose the disease. Symptoms include:
1. Increased thirst
2. Increased Urination
3. Increased appetite
4. Decreased activity
5. Excessive panting
6. Thin or fragile skin
7. Hair Loss
8. Distended abdomen resulting in a "pot belly"
9. Recurrent Skin Infections
How Is Cushing's Disease Treated:
Both pituitary and adrenal Cushing's Disease are treated with medication. The only way to cure Cushing's Disease is to remove the adrenal tumor, though this practice is not commonly used. Medication is administered to block the production of Cortisol, resulting in lowered levels within the bloodstream. Frequent monitoring and blood tests are required to insure the effectiveness of medication therapy. There are also some "off-label" medications which can be used to treat Cushing's Disease in dogs. A chemotherapy drug for humans is sometimes used to treat the disease, and has shown good results, but can also have severe side effects. With proper monitoring and treatments, dogs with Cushing's Disease can live long, full lives.
Cushing's Disease in dogs used to be considered a death sentence. With different treatments available, however, most dogs who have this disease can still continue to lead long, quality lives. Proper treatment and frequent monitoring is required to be sure the medications are working properly, and that side effects are not diminishing your pet's quality of life. With the right coordination between you and your veterinarian, you can keep your dog with Cushing's Disease healthy and happy for many years to come.
