What is Cushing's Disease

If too much of the hormone Cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex, a dog suffers from Cushing's disease. Cortisol is a so-called glucocorticoid. Glucocorticoid convert proteins and fats into glucose. This increases blood sugar levels in the body. Furthermore, Glucocorticoid play a major role in the immune system and suppress inflammatory reactions. If a dog is stressed, the release of glucocorticoid increases. That'swhy cortisol is also called the stress hormone.

Causes of Cushing's disease

The cause of Cushing's disease is usually because the pituitary gland produces too much AdrenoCorticoTropic Hormone  (ACTH). ACTH ensures the release of cortisol by the adrenal cortex, which causes too much cortisol to be produced.  Cushing's disease is caused by a (benign) tumor in the pituitary gland or by a tumor in the adrenal gland. It can also be caused by a long-term use of corticosteroids such as  prednisolone. A number of breeds have the hereditary predisposition to get this disease, such as the  Beagle,the Boston Terrier, the Boxer, the Badger Dog, the German Shepherd,  the Labrador  Retriever  and the Dwarf and  Toy poodles.

Symptoms of Cushing's disease in dogs

• Lots of drinking and peeing
• More gassing due to the heat
• Grotten appetite.
• Swollen belly
• Hair loss all over the body.

Furthermore, dogs with Cushing's disease are weaker and calmer than normal and muscle size and strength decreases.

Treatment of Cushing's disease

In some cases, the tumor can be surgically removed. If this is not possible, the dog is given a drug that stops cortisol production. Dogs should get this drug daily for the rest of their lives. The lot of drinking, eating, urinating and lethargy usually go away within two weeks. However, it takes a number of months for the skin and coat to improve. If the dog uses corticosteroids for a medical reason, the  Cushing symptoms usually disappear as soon as the treatment is phased out or stopped.