Cushing’s disease in dogs
Cushing’s disease in dogs is a condition in which the adrenal cortex produces an excess of the hormone cortisol. It is a condition that can result in unpleasant health problems. It does not occur only in dogs; other animals and even humans can also develop Cushing’s disease.
Causes of Cushing’s disease in dogs
Cushing’s disease in dogs, also known as Cushing’s syndrome, is mainly diagnosed in middle-aged or older dogs. The disease occurs in two forms: pituitary-dependent and adrenal-dependent Cushing’s disease. The pituitary form is the most common. Approximately 85% of dogs with Cushing’s disease have this form. The disease is caused by a slow-growing tumor in the pituitary gland, a small gland beneath the brain. This tumor produces large amounts of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Excess levels of this hormone, which resembles the medication prednisone and is also known as the stress hormone, are responsible for all the symptoms. ACTH, in turn, causes the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid. It facilitates the conversion of proteins and fats into glucose, causing blood sugar levels in the body to rise. Glucocorticoids also play an important role in the immune system and suppress inflammatory responses.
The other form of Cushing’s disease in dogs is caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland itself. Here too, large amounts of cortisol are produced, which are harmful to the dog.
Symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs
A dog suffering from this condition may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Eating and drinking a lot
- Lethargy
- Frequent urination
- Excessive panting
- Swollen abdomen
- Hair loss and bald patches
- Skin problems
- Loss of muscle mass
- Absence of heat cycles in female dogs
Treatment of Cushing’s disease in dogs
Do you suspect that your dog may have Cushing’s disease? Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. They will use tests to determine whether this is actually the case. In pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease, there is almost always a benign tumor in the pituitary gland that grows slowly. Surgically removing the pituitary gland offers the best long-term results. However, this procedure is very expensive.
In the case of an adrenal tumor, the affected adrenal gland can sometimes be surgically removed. The other adrenal gland is usually still healthy and takes over all the normal functions of the removed gland, meaning that no medication is needed after surgery. If surgery is not possible, the dog will be given medication that inhibits cortisol production. Dogs must receive this medication daily for the rest of their lives. Excessive drinking, eating, urination, and lethargy usually subside within two weeks. However, it can take several months for the skin and coat to improve.
