Dogs
Canine Cushing's disease, also referred to as hyperadrenalcorticism, is a hormonal disorder in dogs. This disease is noticed more commonly in older dogs. And its symptoms being same as that of aging, many a time dog owners are unable to identify this disease. Before knowing the symptoms of the disease, let us understand its causes.
Causes
Cushing's disease is a result of excessive production of a hormone called cortisol. This cortisol is produced by adrenal glands. Adrenal glands are one of the important glands of body and are located near the kidneys. Cortisol plays a significant role in dog's body. It regulates metabolism, maintains body weight, skin health, etc. The level of cortisol in the body differs for various situations. Usually, when the dog is in stress or is ill, the cortisol level is high. But once the dog is out of this situation, the cortisol level becomes normal.
Cortisol is produced by adrenal glands when these glands are stimulated by ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone). ACTH is a hormone produced by pituitary gland and if ACTH is produced in excess amount, cortisol will also be produced excessively. Thus, there are two scenarios that can cause Cushing's disease in a dog. Tumors are the most common reasons of dysfunction of adrenal glands or pituitary gland. 85% cases of the disease are a result of tumors in the pituitary gland. In case of adrenal gland, the tumor may be present just on one gland or both.
Symptoms
This disease is usually noticed in dogs that are middle-aged or older dogs. The symptoms are very vague in the initial period but they become severe as the disease progresses. There are plenty of symptoms associated with this disease and all the symptoms may not be observed. These symptoms are often dramatic and usually a combination of these symptoms is observed. Frequent urination and excessive drinking of water are some of the symptoms of initial stage. Given below is a list of some of the commonly observed symptoms.
Diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome in dogs is usually done by blood tests and urine tests. Once this disease in diagnosed, the veterinarian provides required treatment to the dog. The treatment usually depends on the cause. Medications are provided for tumors in pituitary gland, while surgeries are performed if adrenal glands have tumor.
Cushing's disease in dogs can be treated and the dog can live quality years ahead. However, glands cannot be restored to their normal functioning. Canine Cushing's disease if left untreated, can cause serious dog illnesses like liver failure, heart failure, canine diabetes, neurological disorder, infections, etc. Thus, it is necessary for every dog owner to be aware of the symptoms of the disease, so that early treatment can be provided. The disease progresses slowly and usually, its early symptoms are missed out. Dogs of age more than 10 years are susceptible to this disease.
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Dogs
Canine Cushing's Disease Symptoms
Canine Cushing's disease, also referred to as hyperadrenalcorticism, is a hormonal disorder in dogs. This disease is noticed more commonly in older dogs. And its symptoms being same as that of aging, many a time dog owners are unable to identify this disease. Before knowing the symptoms of the disease, let us understand its causes.
Causes
Cushing's disease is a result of excessive production of a hormone called cortisol. This cortisol is produced by adrenal glands. Adrenal glands are one of the important glands of body and are located near the kidneys. Cortisol plays a significant role in dog's body. It regulates metabolism, maintains body weight, skin health, etc. The level of cortisol in the body differs for various situations. Usually, when the dog is in stress or is ill, the cortisol level is high. But once the dog is out of this situation, the cortisol level becomes normal.
Cortisol is produced by adrenal glands when these glands are stimulated by ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone). ACTH is a hormone produced by pituitary gland and if ACTH is produced in excess amount, cortisol will also be produced excessively. Thus, there are two scenarios that can cause Cushing's disease in a dog. Tumors are the most common reasons of dysfunction of adrenal glands or pituitary gland. 85% cases of the disease are a result of tumors in the pituitary gland. In case of adrenal gland, the tumor may be present just on one gland or both.
Symptoms
This disease is usually noticed in dogs that are middle-aged or older dogs. The symptoms are very vague in the initial period but they become severe as the disease progresses. There are plenty of symptoms associated with this disease and all the symptoms may not be observed. These symptoms are often dramatic and usually a combination of these symptoms is observed. Frequent urination and excessive drinking of water are some of the symptoms of initial stage. Given below is a list of some of the commonly observed symptoms.
- Pot bellied appearance
- Excess panting
- Weight Gain
- Thinning of skin
- Hair loss
- Increase in the appetite
- Weakness in muscle
- Lethargy
- Disturbed sleep pattern
Diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome in dogs is usually done by blood tests and urine tests. Once this disease in diagnosed, the veterinarian provides required treatment to the dog. The treatment usually depends on the cause. Medications are provided for tumors in pituitary gland, while surgeries are performed if adrenal glands have tumor.
Cushing's disease in dogs can be treated and the dog can live quality years ahead. However, glands cannot be restored to their normal functioning. Canine Cushing's disease if left untreated, can cause serious dog illnesses like liver failure, heart failure, canine diabetes, neurological disorder, infections, etc. Thus, it is necessary for every dog owner to be aware of the symptoms of the disease, so that early treatment can be provided. The disease progresses slowly and usually, its early symptoms are missed out. Dogs of age more than 10 years are susceptible to this disease.
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Paul's Alsatian Cyrus was an absolute joy to have. Paul always maintained that. His stride, his coat sheen, his speed and his looks. There was nothing to complain about, he said. When Paul took him for his daily run at the park, heads turned...
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Like humans, the liver is a vital organ for a canine too, which performs a number of functions. It detoxifies and eliminates toxins that enter the bloodstream. The liver also produces bile to break down fat, and plays a vital role in maintaining...
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If you own a cute dog, then you must have observed that your dog suffers from different illnesses in its lifetime. Some of the common dog health problems are worms, allergies, rabies and heartworms. Addison's disease is a very uncommon disease...
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