If your dog has recently been diagnosed with Cushing's disease, you may have questions about what this means and how to help your furry friend. Cushing's disease is a relatively common condition in dogs, but it can be confusing to understand.
Here's what you need to know about canine Cushing's disease:
What Is Cushing's Disease?
Cushing's disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition that occurs when your dog's body produces too much cortisol. Cortisol is an important hormone for regulating the body's stress response, but too much of it causes various health problems.
Canine Cushing's disease typically results from a tumor in the pituitary gland, which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol.
Symptoms of Cushing's Disease in Dogs
Cushing's disease will cause various symptoms, some of which can be difficult to notice because they are subtle or occur over a long time. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms in your dog, it's important to speak with your veterinarian as soon as possible:
Increased thirst and urination - Dogs with Cushing's disease often drink and urinate more frequently than usual. This is often the first symptom of the condition.
Increased appetite - Cushing's disease can cause dogs to feel constantly hungry.
Weight gain - Eating too much will make dogs with Cushing's disease gain weight.
Loss of muscle mass - Dogs with Cushing's disease will slowly lose muscle mass.
Thinning skin - Cushing's disease can cause the skin to become thinner and more fragile, leading to frequent skin infections and other dermatological problems.
Hair loss - Dogs with Cushing's disease typically experience hair loss, especially in the areas around the tail and back legs.
Excessive Panting - Cushing's disease can cause dogs to pant more than usual, even when they are not exercising.
Lethargy - Dogs with Cushing's disease may become less active and seem more tired than usual.
Abdominal enlargement - Cushing's disease can cause the abdomen to become enlarged, giving the dog a pot-bellied appearance.
While none of these symptoms alone indicate Cushing's disease, your dog should be seen at your local vet clinic if they develop any of them.
Treatment Options for Canine Cushing's Disease
If your dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's disease, there are a few different treatment options that your veterinarian may recommend.
Possible treatment options include:
Medication - Medications can help to lower the amount of cortisol in the body and manage the symptoms of Cushing's disease.
Radiation therapy - Radiation therapy can be used to shrink the tumor causing Cushing's disease.
Surgery - In some cases, surgery to remove the tumor that is causing Cushing's disease is an option.
Management of symptoms - If your dog has mild Cushing's disease or is not a good candidate for more aggressive treatments, your veterinarian may recommend managing the symptoms of the disease. This can include changes to your dog's diet, exercise routine, and medications to manage specific symptoms.
In conclusion, canine Cushing's disease is challenging to manage, but with the right treatment plan and close veterinarian monitoring, dogs with Cushing's disease can lead happy and healthy lives. If you have questions about Cushing's disease or your dog's health, contact an animal health service.
