Cushing’s disease is a serious condition in dogs that can lead to severe, sometimes fatal conditions and illnesses. Our Charlotte vet explains what causes Cushing’s disease in dogs, as well as symptoms and treatment.
What is Cushing’s disease in dogs?
Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is a serious health condition in which the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol in the body. Excess cortisol can put a dog at risk for a number of serious conditions and diseases, from kidney damage to diabetes, and can even be fatal.
Cushing’s disease is usually caused by a benign or malignant tumor in the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. In some cases, the tumor may be located on the adrenal gland, located just above the kidney.
- Excessive cortisol can also result from prolonged use of steroids, called iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome.
What are the symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs?
The most common symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs include:
- Increased appetite
- Excessive thirst or drinking
- Thinning of the skin
- hair loss
- Frequent urination ego
- Muscular weakness
- Enlarged abdomen, appearance strip
- to gasp
- cheapness
If your dog has Cushing’s disease, you will see at least one of these symptoms, but it is unusual for all of them to be present.
- If your dog is showing any of the above symptoms it is important to contact your vet immediately. Dogs with Cushing’s disease have an increased risk of diabetes, kidney damage, blood clots and high blood pressure.
How is Cushing’s disease diagnosed?
Your vet will perform a physical exam and perform some tests to determine what your pet’s symptoms may be and rule out other health problems. Tests may include but are not limited to, urinalysis, urine culture, complete blood panel, and/or complete chemistry panel.
Your doctor may run adrenal function tests, low-dose adrenal, and high-dose dexamethasone suppression tests. However, adrenal function tests can result in false positives when another disease with similar clinical symptoms is present.
- An ultrasound can help rule out other conditions that may be causing your dog’s symptoms. Other diseases that can cause similar symptoms include tumors in the spleen or liver, gallstones, gallbladder disease, gastrointestinal disease, and chronic inflammatory liver disease.
- The most effective diagnostic test for Cushing’s disease is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which allows your vet to assess your dog’s adrenal glands. However, this testing method can be expensive.
At Carolina Veterinarians, our doctors are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of internal diseases and conditions. We have access to diagnostic imaging tools and treatment methods to identify and manage these problems.
What are the treatments for Cushing’s disease in dogs?
Cushing’s disease in dogs is usually treated with medications that help reduce the amount of cortisone produced by the adrenal glands. The only way to treat Cushing’s disease is to remove the tumor, however, due to the complexity and risks of surgery, most cases are treated with medication.
- Treatment will vary depending on whether your dog has kissing disease.
Pituitary tumor. Treatment of pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease is the most complex. Two drugs, trilostane and mitotin, are commonly used.
Adrenal tumors. Treatment of adrenal-dependent Cushing’s disease usually requires major abdominal surgery. If the entire tumor can be removed and the tumor is not malignant, there is a good chance that your dog will recover.
Iatrogenic Cushing’s disease. Treatment requires gradual discontinuation of the steroid, which usually results in recurrence of the disease that was being treated with the steroid.
- After starting drug treatment your dog will need to visit the vet regularly for ACTH stimulation tests, until the overproduction of cortisone is controlled.
Throughout your pet’s life, routine monitoring of blood tests and medication adjustments are required.
Is Cushing’s disease fatal in dogs?
The cause of your dog’s Cushing’s disease, as well as the conditions your dog is born with that are associated with the disease, will affect your pet’s prognosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to limit the severity of the disease.
- Symptoms of Cushing’s disease can be alleviated with careful observation and long-term management.
Most dogs can be successfully treated with medications with few side effects. However, the wrong dosage can cause mild or severe side effects. Therefore, your pet should be carefully monitored; follow-up blood tests are essential.
Dogs that do not receive adequate monitoring and follow-up often experience complications resulting in relapse and severe illness or death.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
Can food cause Cushing’s in dogs?
Food- or food-induced cachexia may occur in rare cases. This type is caused when the stomach releases abnormal amounts of the hormone cortisol during eating.
How does a dog with Cushing’s feel?
As the disease progresses, dogs lose muscle and become weak. Owners may notice thinning of the skin, skin lesions, and hair loss on the sides, neck, and perineum. Obesity and lack of energy are also symptoms.
How can I prevent my dog from getting Cushing’s disease?
Can you prevent Cushing’s disease in dogs? Unfortunately, you cannot prevent Cushing’s disease if it is caused by a tumor of the pituitary or adrenal glands. However, you can avoid long-term use of high-dose steroids to reduce the risk of developing iatrogenic Cushing’s disease.
What is the best dog food for Cushing’s disease?
Recommended Diet for Canine Cushing’s Disease
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food, 12-lb bag. …
Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag. …
Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Formula Dry Dog Food, 34-lb bag.
What is the best home treatment for Cushing’s disease in dogs?
Melatonin and Lignans together provide excellent natural treatment for both Cushing’s and Atypical Cushing’s disease. In fact, melatonin and lignan help normalize your dog’s system. Even better, both of these supplements are readily available at my online store, TCVM Pet Supply.
What is the final stage of Cushing’s disease in dogs?
Warning signs include urinary incontinence and excessive alcohol consumption. Acute cases may include additional physical symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, while chronic stages usually include changes in behavior or appearance but no obvious physical abnormalities.
How do you test for Cushing’s in dogs?
Low-dose dexamethasone-suppression test (LDDST) measuring cortisol. This is the preferred test for early diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome. Acute illness, certain medications, etc. can produce inconclusive results.
Do dogs with Cushing’s lick a lot?
- Cushing’s disease (Hyperadrenocorticism): The dog’s adrenal gland is producing too much glucocorticoid, which is important in the function of many body systems. Hypoadrenocorticism can also cause floor licking.