Cushing’s Disease in Dogs and its Affects

Cushing’s disease in dogs, also known as hyperandrenocorticism, is a debilitating disease that can sadly lessen the lifespan of a pet by two years or more.  It can be hard for pet owners to first detect Cushing’s disease in dogs since the initial signs can be a bit difficult to recognize.  Most pet owners first will recognize their dog’s increase in water intake, which will also result in an increased need to urinate.  As Cushing’s disease in dogs progresses, other symptoms will become apparent, such as:

• An increase in appetite
• High blood pressure
• Weakened heart muscles and skeletal muscles
• Increased panting
• Hair loss on both sides of the body
• Thinning of skin
• A pendulous abdomen
• Skin with calcified lumps
• Increased susceptibility to both diabetes and skin infections

What Causes Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?

There are two primary reasons why dogs are affected by Cushing’s disease: a tumor of the adrenal gland, which causes 15% of all cases of Cushing’s disease in dogs, or a tumor of the pituitary gland, which causes approximately 85% of cases of Cushing’s disease in dogs.  These tumors will cause these two hormonal glands to produce too much adrenal hormones, primarily corticosteroids.

NOTE:  In some rarer cases, Cushing’s disease in dogs may also be caused by the over administration of corticosteroid medications.  Speak to your veterinarian if you are noticing any of the above mentioned side effects in your dog if you are administering such drugs, such as prednisone.

How do Veterinarians Test for Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?

The testing of Cushing’s disease in dogs begins with numerous blood tests, most of which can be completed in one day.  This will help the veterinarian determine if the root cause is an adrenal gland tumor or a pituitary gland tumor.  Upon the veterinarian’s discretion, other tests may also be used, such as urine cortisol versus creatinine ratios, X-rays, ultrasounds, and ACTH response tests.

If there does happen to be an adrenal gland tumor, these can be removed by a specialist.  Should your dog have a pituitary gland tumor, these are treated medically using either Vetoryl, Ketaconazole or Lysodren.  The goal of these medicines is to help suppress enough of the gland’s functioning so that it will stop the over production of the corticosteroids that are causing the disease.

Some side effects of using Lysodren and other medications for Cushing’s disease in dogs with pituitary gland tumors include:

• Lethargy and weakness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Unfortunately there is no guaranteed cure for Cushing’s disease in dogs in these situations. The goal is to provide a better quality of life for your dog with the illness rather than extend their lifespan.  If you suspect your dog has Cushing’s disease, take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible so you can start to give your best friend a happier, healthier life.

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