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Cushings Disease Dog Article
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Cushings Disease In Aging Dogs
from: Kyle BesserCushings disease, which is also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is the production of excess hormones from the adrenal glands. Cushings disease usually strikes older dogs with a variety of symptoms that can mimic other dog diseases. Increased appetite, increased drinking and urination, panting, high blood pressure, bulging abdomen, skin lumps and discoloring, hair loss, muscle weakness, and nervous system disorders can occur with Cushings disease in dogs.
The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys. The adrenal glands produce cortin, which is a complex of steroid hormones that help regulate body weight, mineral balance, the structure of connective tissue, some white blood cell production, and skin health. The adrenal glands are stimulated to produce cortin by the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland. Cushings disease in dogs can be triggered by a tumor of the adrenal glands or of the pituitary gland and cause the adrenal glands to produce an excess of corticosteroids.
The symptoms of dog Cushings disease often creep up on the dog and the dog owner. The symptoms of Cushings disease often appear to be the result of normal aging and may be overlooked. Muscle weakness causes a reduced tolerance for exercise and lethargy, both of which are typical in aging dogs and cause no alarm in dog owners.
Often dog owners do not seek veterinary advice until the signs and symptoms of dog Cushings disease become unmistakable or intolerable, such as when the dog breaks his housetraining or has to go outside during the middle of the night.
Typically a dog with Cushings disease has a bulging, sagging belly caused by a decrease in muscle strength and redistribution of fat from body storage areas to the abdomen. As Cushings disease progresses, hair loss may also become a major concern. The skin thins and may lose its resistance to infection.
Once suspected, Cushings disease can be diagnosed by blood tests. Tests can also differentiate between disease caused by a pituitary gland tumor and disease caused by an adrenal gland tumor. About 85% of the cases are caused by pituitary tumors. Pituitary-induced Cushings disease can be treated by drug therapy, but it cannot be cured. Adrenal gland tumors can often be surgically removed.
There are several drug therapies available for treatment for Cushings disease, including Lysodren, Ketoconazole, and Anipryl:
*Lysodren kills the outer layer of the adrenal gland that manufactures the corticosteroids. Careful regulation of the drug is necessary to determine how much of the cortex is killed so that a normal amount of the hormone can be produced. This protocol requires periodic blood tests to make sure the dog has a normal amount of cortisol and does not develop Addisons disease. Once the proper dosage has been determined, the dog's condition may be maintained by periodic instead of daily doses.
*Ketoconazole works by suppressing cortisol secretion in the adrenal glands. Ketoconazole requires daily dosing, monitoring, and acute observation by the dog owner. Ketoconazole is also expensive. Since some dogs cannot absorb it, Ketoconazole only works in 75-80 percent of cases of Cushing's disease in dogs. Ketoconazole is useful for dogs that cannot tolerate Lysodren. Ketoconazole has a low incidence of toxicity and is completely reversible if necessary.
*Anipryl helps restore the balance of natural brain chemicals, which in turn alleviates the symptoms of Cushings disease dogs experience. In clinical trials, about 70% of dogs responded favorably with a lessening of symptoms of Cushings disease and a reduction in cortisol production.
Left untreated, Cushings disease will progress and can lead to life-threatening disorders such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, liver and kidney failure. Cushings disease left untreated can lead to other chronic conditions such as hypothyroidism and infections of the skin, ears, gums, eyes, or bladder.
If your dog is six years old or older and exhibits any of the early signs of Cushings disease, make an appointment with your vet right away. Pituitary Cushings disease cannot be cured, but with available treatment for Cushing disease dog quality of life can be greatly improved. If an adrenal tumor is causing the disease, the tumor may be able to be removed by surgery. Either way, it's better to get started on treatment for Cushings disease to prolong your dog's quality of life.
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