This is the first in a series on endocrine (hormone) diseases that occur in animals.
Cushing’s disease, technically called hyperadrenocorticism, is a hormone problem in which the adrenal glands produce too much cortisone. Even though it can appear in other animals, it is primarily a disease of middle-age and older dogs. The small size of the adrenal glands located at the top of each kidney does not do any justice to their importance in regulating many body functions.
In this disease, an excess of the hormone called cortisol is released into the bloodstream. This hormone circulates throughout the body and has a profound effect on many of the internal organs. In most cases, the cause is a slowly growing tumor in the pituitary gland. The tumor stimulates the adrenal glands to produce an excess of cortisol. In a much smaller number of cases, the adrenal glands themselves can contain an benign or malignant tumor that causes the excess secretion of cortisol.
Many of the symptoms of this disease are subtle and can wax and wane. Things to watch for are excessive appetite, panting, drinking or urinating more than usual, a pot-bellied appearance to the abdomen, or skin changes. A routine physical exam with a blood panel can give us an indication of this problem. Specialized hormone tests are needed for a definitive diagnosis. Sometimes, an ultrasound can be performed to try to visualize the adrenal glands.
A change in the appearance of your dog’s skin may indicate Cushing’s disease.
Several different medications are used to treat the usual form of Cushing’s. Your doctor will tell you which one is appropriate in your pet’s case. Surgery is not commonly utilized and can lead to postoperative complications.
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