Cushing’s disease in dogs is a hormonal disorder that affects many older dogs. It happens when a dog’s body makes too much of a hormone called cortisol. This can lead to several health problems for your pup.
This post will look at Cushing’s disease in dogs, what causes it, the types of Cushing’s disease, symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs, how the condition is diagnosed, and treatment options available.
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Related: Acute Myeloid Leukemia In Dogs: Diagnosis And Treatment Options, Acute Pancreatitis In Dogs: Recognizing And Managing The Condition
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
What Is Cushing’s Disease?
Cushing’s disease affects a dog’s hormone balance and can cause serious health issues. It happens when a dog’s body makes too much of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that helps dogs deal with tough situations. But too much of it can be bad.
The disease often starts in the pituitary gland in the brain or the adrenal glands near the kidneys.
What Can Cause Cushing’s Disease In Dogs?
There are a few ways Cushing’s disease can happen:
- A tumor in the pituitary gland.
- A tumor in the adrenal glands.
- Long-term use of steroid medicines.
There are also certain breeds that are more likely to develop Cushing’s disease, due to their genetic makeup. These breeds include:
- Dachshunds.
- Poodles.
- Yorkshire Terriers.
What Are The Types of Cushing’s Disease In Dogs?
There are three main types of Cushing’s disease in dogs:
- Pituitary-dependent: This is the most common type. It’s caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland. The tumor makes the gland produce too much of a hormone that tells the adrenal glands to make cortisol.
- Adrenal-dependent: This type is caused by a tumor in one of the adrenal glands. The tumor itself makes too much cortisol.
- Iatrogenic: This type is caused by giving a dog too many steroid medicines for a long time. It’s not as common as the other two types.
Each type of Cushing’s disease needs different treatment. Your veterinarian will do tests to figure out which type your dog has so they can get the right one.
What Are The Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease In Dogs?
Cushing’s disease causes many noticeable changes in dogs. You may see physical changes in your pup’s body and shifts in their behavior.
Physical Indications
Excessive thirst and urination are common signs of Cushing’s disease. Your dog may need to go out more often, even at night.
You might notice increased hunger and weight gain, especially around the belly. This “pot-bellied” look comes from weakened abdominal muscles and an enlarged liver.
Hair loss is another symptom. Your dog’s coat may thin, particularly on the sides of the body.
The skin can become thin and fragile, bruising easily. You might see dark patches or pigmented areas.
Behavioral Changes
Your dog may seem more tired or less active than usual.
They might pant more often, even when resting.
Some dogs become anxious or restless, especially at night.
You may notice your dog seeking out cool spots to lie down. This is because Cushing’s can make it harder for dogs to regulate their body temperature.
Your dog might also seem more prone to infections or take longer to heal from minor injuries.
How Is Cushing’s Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Cushing’s disease in dogs involves a series of steps and tests. Your veterinarian will use a combination of physical exams and specific lab work to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Initial Examination
Your veterinarian will start by asking about your dog’s symptoms and medical history. They’ll perform a physical exam, looking for signs like a pot-bellied appearance, thin skin, or hair loss.
Basic blood and urine tests are often done. These can show high liver enzymes, low thyroid levels, or dilute urine – all potential signs of Cushing’s. But these tests alone aren’t enough for a definite diagnosis.
Your veterinarian may also check your dog’s blood pressure, as Cushing’s can cause high blood pressure.
Specific Diagnostic Tests
If Cushing’s is suspected, your veterinarian will recommend more specialized tests. The most common are:
- ACTH Stimulation Test: Measures how well the adrenal glands respond to a hormone that stimulates cortisol production.
- Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test: Checks if your dog’s body can properly regulate cortisol levels.
- Urine Cortisol-to-Creatinine Ratio: A screening test that measures cortisol levels in urine.
Sometimes, imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI may be needed. These can help find tumors on the adrenal or pituitary glands.
Your veterinarian might need to run multiple tests to get a clear picture of what is going on with your dog.
What Treatment Options Are Available For Dogs With Cushing’s Disease?
Treating Cushing’s disease in dogs involves several approaches. The goal is to manage symptoms and reduce excess cortisol.
Medical Management
Trilostane is the most common medication for Cushing’s disease in dogs. It works by lowering cortisol production.
Another option is mitotane. This drug destroys the cortisol-producing cells in the adrenal glands. It requires careful monitoring and can have more side effects than trilostane.
Side effects of these medications can include lack of energy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weakness.
Your veterinarian might also suggest medications to manage specific symptoms. These could include drugs for high blood pressure or urinary tract infections.
Surgical Interventions
For some dogs, surgery may be an option. This is most common for adrenal tumors.
If your dog has an adrenal tumor, removing it can cure the disease. Your dog may also require radiation and medication after the surgery as well. The success rate depends on whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
For pituitary tumors, surgery is less common in dogs. It’s a complex procedure that requires special expertise.
Ongoing Management And Monitoring
Regular check-ups are important for dogs with Cushing’s disease. Your veterinarian will likely want to see your dog every few months.
These visits often include blood tests to check cortisol levels. Your veterinarian may adjust medication doses based on these results.
You’ll need to watch for any changes in your dog’s symptoms. Report increased thirst, appetite, or urination to your veterinarian.
Diet and exercise are important too. Your veterinarian may also recommend a special diet to help manage weight and muscle loss.
Cushing’s disease in dogs is a condition that affects cortisol levels in the body. Having your dog evaluated by your veterinarian when you notice any changes to your dog’s appearance or behavior is important for getting a quick diagnosis. Treatment options are available to help your dog manage their symptoms.
For more info on Cushing’s disease in dogs, please see VCA Hospitals, PetMd, Cornell Canine Health Center, and the US Food And Drug Administration.
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