Spotting Cushing’s Disease in Dogs: Key Symptoms

Cushing’s disease is when a dog’s adrenal glands make too much hormone. It mostly hits middle-aged and senior dogs. There are two types: pituitary-dependent and adrenal-dependent¹. The first kind is more common, while the second is rarer¹. Knowing the main symptoms is key for fast diagnosis and treatment. Watching for small shifts in how your dog acts and looks can clue you in on the disease.

Key Takeaways:

• Increased hunger, drinking, and peeing are tell-tale signs of Cushing’s in dogs².
• Being tired, having a rough coat, and seeming bloated signal the disease too².
• Dogs may pant more, have thinner skin, get skin infections, and dark spots on their skin².
• They might also heal slowly and get bladder infections often².
• Seeing the vet regularly for checks and tests is critical to confirm Cushing’s and start the right treatment¹.

What is Cushing’s Disease in Dogs and its Causes?

Cushing’s disease in dogs is when their adrenal glands make too much hormone. It’s caused by three main issues. Each cause leads to too much cortisol, a stress hormone.

The most seen cause is a tumor in the pituitary gland, making up 85%-90% of cases². These tumors make the adrenal glands release too much cortisol. This causes the symptoms of the disease.

Sometimes, a big tumor from the pituitary gland grows towards the brain. This happens in about 15% of cases². It can cause brain issues and makes the outlook worse.

Another cause is tumors in the adrenal gland. They can be harmless or harmful. Surgery can often fix the harmless ones. But, harmful ones usually mean a worse outlook².

There’s also iatrogenic Cushing’s disease, from too much steroid medicine². This throws off cortisol balance.

Finding the cause of Cushing’s disease in dogs is key. It helps vets pick the right treatment and give the best care.

Causes of Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

Aside from these three causes, it’s mainly middle-aged and older dogs that get Cushing’s³⁴. The pituitary-dependent type is the most common, affecting 80% to 90% of dogs with the disease³⁴.

There are different treatments for Cushing’s disease. For pituitary tumors, dogs might get meds like trilostane or ketoconazole². For adrenal gland tumors, surgery or meds might be the solution². For iatrogenic Cushing’s, stopping steroid use is usually the answer².

Knowing the exact cause of Cushing’s lets vets create the right treatment plan. With the correct diagnosis and treatment, many dogs with Cushing’s can live well..

Recognizing the Clinical Signs of Cushing’s Disease

Spotting the signs of Cushing’s disease in dogs early on is key to getting them the help they need.² There are many symptoms to look out for, no matter the type of disease.

Key Clinical Signs

The clinical signs of Cushing’s disease may include:

• Increased appetite
• Increased water consumption
• Increased urination
• Lethargy
• Poor hair coat
• Bloated abdomen
• Panting
• Thin skin
• Chronic skin infections
• Dark-colored spots
• Poor skin healing
• Persistent bladder infections

These signs are because of a hormone imbalance due to too much cortisol.² If your dog shows these symptoms, see a vet right away for a check-up.

Statistical data²: Clinical signs of Cushing’s disease in dogs include increased appetite, increased water consumption, increased urination, lethargy, poor hair coat, panting, thin skin, and other symptoms.

Even though these are signs of Cushing’s disease, they could also suggest other health issues.²

That’s why it’s important to get your dog checked by a vet who can do tests to know for sure.²

Diagnosis often involves tests like the ACTH stimulation test and the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test.² They check cortisol levels to pinpoint the disease’s cause.

About 15% of dogs with a pituitary tumor may face brain-related symptoms.² These can make their outlook less hopeful. Catching the disease early helps a lot.

To treat the disease, vets may use various meds depending on the Cushing’s type.²

Spotting the signs of Cushing’s early is crucial for quick diagnosis and treatment. If your dog shows any signs, consulting with a vet quickly is a must for a good outcome.²

Diagnosing Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

Finding out if a dog has Cushing’s disease takes several steps. First, a vet will check the dog and look at its medical history. Then, different tests help figure out the right treatment and how the dog might do.

Dogs that might have Cushing’s disease often eat and drink more, pee more, feel tired, have poor fur, and a big belly². These signs suggest the dog needs more tests to see what’s wrong.

Blood and pee tests show if hormone levels are off². A blood test might reveal stress signs. High levels of a liver enzyme and protein in the pee can also point to Cushing’s disease. Vets might run more tests to check how organs are doing and rule out other problems.

Tools like X-rays and ultrasounds help look at the adrenal glands². They show if there’s a tumor there, which could be causing Cushing’s disease.

Two key tests help confirm if a dog has Cushing’s disease². The ACTH test checks how the adrenal glands react to a hormone. The LDDS test sees if giving a steroid lowers cortisol levels. High cortisol after these tests means the dog likely has Cushing’s disease.

If the vet thinks a tumor in the brain might be the cause, they might do a brain scan². This helps them see the tumor and figure out the best treatment.

Diagnosing Cushing’s disease in dogs can be hard. Signs are similar to other conditions. Using history, exams, tests, and imaging is key for a good diagnosis and treatment.

“Accurate diagnosis is important for determining the appropriate treatment plan and prognosis for the affected dog.”

Diagnosing Cushing’s disease means careful evaluation, testing, and scans. Test results help vets confirm the disease and find its cause. With correct diagnosis, they can find the best way to help the dog stay happy and healthy.

Treatment options for Cushing’s Plane in Dogs

Managing Cushing’s disease in dogs depends on the disease type. Most often, tumors in the pituitary gland cause it, making up 85% to 90% of cases². Doctors usually prescribe trilostane (Vetoryl®) and mitotane (Lysodren®). These drugs help control hormone levels and ease symptoms of Cushing’s disease². They reduce cortisol production, aiding in better disease control.

If a dog has a benign tumor on its adrenal gland, removing it can cure Cushing’s disease². This method works well in many instances². But if the tumor is cancerous, surgery might only help for a while. In these cases, the outlook isn’t as good². Medication is the most common treatment due to the high risks of surgery for cancerous tumors.

Too many steroids can also cause Cushing’s disease, known as iatrogenic Cushing’s disease. Stopping steroid use is the main treatment step². This approach helps the body’s hormones balance out.

Some places might offer radiation or surgery to remove the pituitary tumor². These methods can control pituitary-caused Cushing’s in dogs and improve symptoms.

Mitotane might work better for adrenal tumors. It needs higher doses as it aims to kill tumor cells². Regular blood checks, vet visits, and dosage adjustments are crucial. They ensure the treatment works well and the dog’s disease is managed right⁴.

Treating Cushing’s in dogs requires a plan suited to the disease type. The aim is to manage the disease well, so dogs live comfortably. This often means lifelong treatment and frequent checks. It’s all about getting the medication dose right and giving the best care to dogs with Cushing’s disease².

Managing Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

Managing Cushing’s disease in dogs needs a lifetime plan of treatment. This condition comes from tumors in the pituitary or adrenal glands. Most cases (80-85%) come from the pituitary gland, while the rest (15-20%) are from the adrenal gland⁴. The main goal is to keep symptoms and hormone levels under control, letting dogs have active, normal lives.

The main way to manage Cushing’s in dogs is through medication. Vetoryl (trilostane) is the only FDA-approved drug for treating Cushing’s stemming from both pituitary and adrenal sources⁴. This drug lowers cortisol production, which is usually too high in dogs with this disease. Anipryl (selegiline) is also FDA-approved but is used mainly for pituitary tumor-related Cushing’s disease in dogs⁴.

“Regular follow-up exams, blood work, and symptom checks are key. They help adjust medication doses and find possible complications.”

Vets might suggest other treatments based on how each dog reacts to therapy. In the past, Lysodren (mitotane), a chemo drug, was used for Cushing’s disease treatment⁴. But now, with drugs like Vetoryl more available, Lysodren is used less.

In the beginning stages of treatment, dogs often need frequent blood tests and check-ups, usually in the first few months, then every few months as needed⁴. These tests are crucial for tracking hormone levels and making sure the medicine is effective. They also help vets make needed changes to the treatment.

Cushing’s disease mostly happens in middle-aged to older dogs and develops gradually. Dogs may drink, eat, and pee more but move and play less. Other signs are heavy panting, thin skin, hair loss, and a bigger belly⁴. If the disease comes from an adrenal tumor, surgery might cure it, if it hasn’t spread. However, most dogs are treated with medication because surgery is risky and complex⁴.

In summary, handling Cushing’s disease in dogs means committing to lifelong care, regular checks, and medicine. With the right management and drugs like Vetoryl and Anipryl, many dogs can enjoy happy, active lives. Following the treatment plan and working with a vet closely gives dogs the best chance at a good life.

Potential Adverse Reactions to Cushing’s Disease Treatment

Treating Cushing’s disease in dogs might use drugs like trilostane or mitotane. These drugs can cause side effects that dog owners need to watch for. Even though these meds often work well to control the disease, it’s key to keep an eye on your dog for any bad reactions².

Some dogs might feel more tired or sad, weak, have an upset stomach, or eat less². How bad these side effects are can change from one dog to another. It depends on things like how old they are, their overall health, and which drug they’re taking.

If your dog starts having severe or worrying symptoms, stop the medication right away. Then, quickly get advice from your vet². Acting fast can stop more health issues and keep your dog safe and happy.

It’s very important to take your dog for regular vet visits and get blood tests done². These check-ups help the vet see how well the treatment is working. They also check the dog’s hormone levels and adjust the treatment if needed.

By watching your dog closely, noting any changes, and talking with your vet, you can make sure your dog gets through Cushing’s disease treatment okay².

Prognosis for Dogs with Cushing’s Disease

When it comes to the prognosis for dogs with Cushing’s Disease, it is generally good with proper management and treatment.² Many dogs can be effectively treated with medication. They then go on to live normal and active lives.

Regular follow-up care is essential. It makes sure the disease is in control. It also helps adjust the treatment plan as needed. Doing this can lead to good outcomes. It can improve the dogs’ quality of life with Cushing’s Disease.²

Managing Cushing’s Disease in dogs means doing follow-up tests regularly.² Lifelong treatment is often needed to control the symptoms. Blood tests are crucial for checking medicine dosage and noting any changes needed. With regular checks and sticking to the treatment plan, most dogs with Cushing’s Disease can lead normal lives.²

Statistical Data

Other Considerations for Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

Dog owners play a key role in handling Cushing’s disease. It’s important to follow the vet’s treatment plan closely. This helps control the illness and keeps the dog comfortable and healthy.

Regular check-ups, including blood tests, are needed. These check the treatment’s success and if dose changes are needed. By sticking to the plan, owners can improve their dog’s life. They also lower the chance of further health issues.

Staying in touch with the vet is crucial. This way, any worries or new symptoms can be quickly discussed.⁴

Conclusion

Cushing’s disease in dogs is not easy but can be handled well with right care. Nearly 1 in every 200 dogs gets diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease⁶. Pituitary tumors are behind most cases, around 80-85%⁶. Adrenal tumors cause about 15-20% of cases⁶, and half of these are harmful⁶. The least common type is caused by too much steroid medicine, called Iatrogenic Cushing’s Syndrome⁶.

Spotting the signs of Cushing’s in dogs is key. They drink more, pee more, and eat more. They also lose hair and pant a lot⁷. Finding the disease early is crucial for good treatment⁸. Doctors use special tests like the ACTH test and low-dose dexamethasone test to diagnose it⁶. Based on the disease kind, treatment might be pills, changes in diet, or surgery⁸.

Dogs with Cushing’s can still have a happy life if treated right. Keeping in touch with your vet and following the treatment plan is important⁸. Watch your dog’s health, weight, fur, and symptoms to avoid problems and make sure the treatment works⁸. Going to the vet often and getting tests helps catch the disease early. This improves chances for successful treatment⁸.

Source Links

1. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/endocrine/cushings-disease-in-dogs-symptoms-diagnosis
2. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cushings-disease-in-dogs
3. https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/cushings-syndrome-dogs
4. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/treating-cushings-disease-dogs
5. https://www.vetspecialty.com/specialties/internal-medicine/handouts/cushings-disease/
6. https://tailsntummies.com/blogs/education/dog-cushings-disease
7. https://toegrips.com/cushings-disease-in-dogs/
8. https://festivalanimalclinic.com/blog/cushings-disease/