Canine Cushing’s Disease
Canine cushing’s disease normally affects middle-aged to older dogs. The average age of dog’s with this condition is six or seven years old. Dogs as young as two years old have also been diagnosed with the disease.
Causes
Canine cushing’s disease is the result of overproduction of glucocorticoid, a hormone that is vital for many bodily systems. The hormone is produced by the adrenal gland after being stimulated by a hormone from the pituitary gland. If a problem develops with either the pituitary or adrenal gland that causes too much hormone production, then canine cushing’s disease will develop.
Forms
The pituitary gland secretes a hormone known as ACTH to stimulate the adrenal gland to produce glucocorticoid. If a tumor develops in the pituitary gland, it may lead to the overproduction of ACTH. Most cases of canine cushing’s disease are the result of this. Tumors on the adrenal gland may also lead to oversecretion of glucocorticoids.
Symptoms
Symptoms of canine cushing’s disease progress slowly. Most dog owners mistake the symptoms caused by this disease for normal aging. Common signs include increased drinking and urination, abdominal swelling, and hair loss. Some dogs also develop lesions and have recurrent urinary tract infections. Some dogs only display one symptom while others can display many.
Treatment
As mentioned earlier, canine cushing’s disease can be caused by a problem with either the adrenal or pituitary gland. Chemotherapy can be used to treat problems with both glands. Adrenal tumors can also be removed surgically. In most cases, treatment of this disease isn’t aimed at lengthening your dog’s lifespan. However, treatment focuses on improving your dog’s quality of life.
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