Our dog’s are prone to a plethora of issues when they begin to age – something humans know all too well. However, some issues like Cushing’s disease are commonly misunderstood. Missing telltale signs of this adrenal disease can impact the quality and longevity of your dog if you’re not attentive.
What is Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease occurs when a dog’s adrenal system produces too much of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is released into the body in response to stress (whether it be from fear, exercise, etc.). This overabundance of cortisol is primarily caused by a benign tumor that forms on the adrenal glands.
When produced at normal levels, cortisol helps regulate blood sugar, improve metabolism, and increase blood pressure.
Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease in Dogs
Like so many other ailments, the symptoms of Cushing’s disease can overlap with many other issues. Cushing’s is known to develop in dogs middle to late age, when many other issues may begin appearing as well. However, there are few key indicators in your dog’s behavior that are related to Cushing’s.
- Increased thirst and water consumption
- Increased urination (can lead to UTIs)
- Increased panting
- Lethargy
- Increased hunger
Other symptoms can be seen on the body and include:
- Hair loss and thinning
- Skin infections
- Pot belly
- Weight gain
If you notice several of these symptoms in your dog, it’s worth a trip to the vet for an exam. Prolonged overproduction of cortisol can cause blindness and changes in behavior like increased aggression.
Diagnosing Cushing’s Disease in Dogs
Once you suspect your dog may be suffering from Cushing’s disease, head right to your veterinarian. From there, they will consider the symptoms and then likely order a full blood panel and urinalysis to get a full view of your dog’s adrenal system.
Your veterinarian may also find that your dog is a good candidate for an ultrasound or chest x-ray. Depending on the results of the urinalysis, a urine culture may also be taken. There are additional adrenal specific testing your vet can perform should the initial panels and tests be inconclusive.
Treating Cushing’s Disease and Prognosis
Cushing’s disease has several different states and depending upon the timing of diagnosis, your dog’s age and the state of his Cushing’s, treatment and prognosis vary.
For a majority of cases caught early, Cushing’s disease can be well managed with oral medication. In fact, most dogs show signs of improvement within 6 weeks. However, more serious or prolonged cases face a steeper hill to climb. Treatment may include radiation or surgery to shrink and/or remove the tumor from the adrenal gland.
The right treatment for your dog should be based on his quality of life. Your veterinarian will be able to lay out all of the options available to you and recommend one that gives your dog the best chance at a happy, healthy life – no matter how long that may be.