Approximately 100,000 dogs are diagnosed with canine hyperadrenocorticism, also known as Cushing’s Disease, each year. It most commonly affects older dogs, but it sometimes presents in younger dogs and, less frequently, in cats.
Causes of Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s Disease is caused by a tumor, which can be benign or malignant, that is present near the pituitary gland (Pituitary Dependent Cushing’s Disease) or in one or both adrenal glands (Adrenal Dependent Cushing’s Disease.) Adrenal Dependent Cushing’s Disease is less common. When it does occur, it tends to be in larger dogs.
Both types of tumors cause excess cortisol to be produced, and excess cortisol leads to a host of possible symptoms that vary in frequency and severity.
The symptoms for both types of Cushing’s Disease are similar, but treatment may vary based on the type of Cushing’s Disease and the severity of the symptoms your dog experiences.
Can Any Dog Get Cushing’s Disease?
Any dog breed is susceptible to this disease, but some breeds are more likely to receive a diagnosis of Cushing’s Disease, including poodles, dachshunds, boxers, Boston terriers, Maltese, Labrador Retrievers, Yorkshire Terries, Cocker Spaniels, and Australian Shepherds.
Is Cushing’s Disease Fatal?
Cushing’s Disease is not a terminal diagnosis; however, complications can cause discomfort, and associated complications from the disease may lead to premature death. Proper treatment helps to alleviate such secondary problems.
What are Common Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease?
As already mentioned, symptoms vary, as does the severity of how Cushing’s Disease affects your dog. Veterinarians often suspect other diseases, including diabetes and heart issues, because some of the symptoms mimic those of other ailments.
Some of the most common symptoms associated with Cushing’s Disease include:
- Fatigue/Lower Activity Level
- Excessive Thirst and Appetite
- Increased Urination
- Hair Loss
- Skin Issues/Infections
- Enlarged Abdomen
Once the vet thinks Cushing’s Disease is the problem, the diagnosis can be confirmed with a blood test, ultrasound, or both.
What are Treatment Options for Cushing’s Disease?
The only way to potentially cure Cushing’s Disease in dogs is with surgery to remove the tumor. Such surgery can only be performed on adrenal tumors that haven’t spread. Surgery to remove pituitary tumors isn’t something most vets do.
Also, because the surgery to remove adrenal gland tumors is risky, most veterinarians opt to treat Cushing’s Disease with medications. The Disease will require treatment for a lifetime, including blood tests and medications, which may need to be tweaked and changed based on how your dog responds.
Visits to the vet will be most frequent immediately following the diagnosis. Once the vet finds the balance of medications that work best for the pet, visits will become less frequent.
One medication used to treat Cushing’s Disease in dogs is Vetoryl. Vetoryl is the only medication approved by the FDA to treat both types of Cushing’s Disease. As with most medications, there are possible side effects, such as reduced appetite, low energy, and diarrhea. Be sure to talk to your vet about other potentially serious side effects. Also, note that Vetoryl should not be given to dogs with a history of kidney or liver disease, is pregnant, or is on certain heart medications.
Other medications may be prescribed, such as Anipryl or Lysodren. Treating a chronically ill pet can be expensive, but Allivet makes it a little easier by offering the same medications you get from your vet, including Vetoryl, Lysodern, and Anipryl, at the lowest prices. Since 1992, we’ve been the trusted choice for quality prescriptions and other pet-care products. Our on-staff pharmacists understand your pet’s needs, and we make it more affordable to treat ongoing conditions like Cushing’s Disease.
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