What is Cushing's syndrome in dogs?
Cushing's syndrome, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a hormonal disorder. It occurs mainly in older dogs and is more common in the breeds Poodle, Dachshund, various terrier breeds, and Boxer. The disease was discovered by neurosurgeon Harvey Cushing, hence the name.
Simply put, the body produces in Cushing's syndrome an excessive amount of cortisol, a hormone you might know as the "stress hormone." Signs of the disease include behavioral abnormalities such as excessive thirst and ravenous appetite, but also hair loss and a pot-bellied abdomen.
Cause: How does my dog develop Cushing's syndrome?
To explain in detail, the cause of Cushing's syndrome basically lies in an increased production of glucocorticoids. These belong to the corticosteroids, a class of steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex. Basically, there are three different forms of Cushing's syndrome in dogs:
Primary or adrenal Cushing's syndrome (AT): This involves a disorder in the area of the adrenal cortex.
Secondary or PDH Cushing's syndrome: This involves a disorder in the area of the pituitary gland. This gland regulates, among other things, the body's hormone balance.
Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome: This form is caused by the excessive administration of corticosteroids. These are found, for example, in cortisone-containing medications and are used, for example, in the treatment of →allergies in dogs.
Excessive thirst, hair loss, and a pot-bellied appearance can be signs of Cushing's syndrome in dogs.
Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome in dogs
Like many medical conditions, it manifests Cushing's syndrome also differently in every dog. Common signs that something is wrong and Cushing's syndrome may be the cause include:
- Excessive thirst
Increased urination, sometimes uncontrolled
Ravenous hunger or increased appetite
pot-bellied, distended abdomen
Hair loss, especially on hind legs, tail area, back, head, paws
Lethargy or reduced activity, listlessness
Often Cushing's syndrome goes undetected for a long time because the symptoms can also be →typical signs of aging and it mainly affects older dogs. If the disease however goes untreated for a long time, it can lead to serious complications and, in the worst case, be fatal. If you notice some of the symptoms listed above or any other abnormalities in your dog, it's best to visit your veterinarian and have your dog checked out.
Diagnosis and therapy for Cushing's syndrome
To initiate the appropriate therapy, veterinarians must determine the cause of the disease and which form of Cushing's syndrome is present.
Examinations
For this, blood and urine tests are performed as well as a chemistry profile for your dog. Some veterinarians also take an X-ray. If the initial results suggest Cushing's, further tests are then carried out to determine the form of the disease. Among other things, this can be a so-called ACTH test (adrenocorticotropic hormone test). In this test, the dog is injected with a substance that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Based on the increase in hormone levels in the body, it can then be determined whether your dog is producing too much cortisol and possibly suffering from PDH Cushing's syndrome.
Blood tests and additional examinations are necessary to clearly diagnose Cushing's syndrome.
Treatment of Cushing's syndrome
In cases of adrenal disease the surgical removal of a benign tumor can be curative. Unfortunately, Cushing's syndrome is in most cases not completely curable, but the symptoms can usually be alleviated with medication, so your dog can live well despite the disease. As a rule, treatment is carried out with the active ingredient trilostane. This inhibits cortisol production and can restore your pet's vitality. If there is also a malignant adrenal cortex tumor that has not yet metastasized, it will be surgically removed. Radiation therapy can also be part of the treatment.
A liver-friendly and easily digestible food is also often recommended. Our "Vet" Liver & Kidney Fit wet food for example, relieves the liver and kidneys due to its reduced protein and phosphorus content in your dog.
Supporting you during treatment: Pets Deli VET
How long does a dog live with Cushing's syndrome?
The good news is: With daily medication, careful monitoring and regular check-ups by veterinarians, your pet can be well treated for many years. Although your dog will depend on treatment permanently, you will notice that your pet's quality of life will significantly improve again.
