Simply, Cushing's Disease is a disease in which the adrenal glands overproduce certain hormones. The correct medical term for this disease is hyperadrenocorticism.
The adrenal glands produce several vital substances that regulate a variety of body functions and are necessary to sustain life. The most widely known of these substances is cortisol (also known as cortisone), which helps to control the immune system and stress responses.
How does this disease occur?
There are three mechanisms by which this disease can occur. Regardless of the cause, the clinical signs are essentially the same.
What are the clinical signs?
The most common clinical signs associated with Cushing's Disease are:
Drinking and urinating more, including toileting accidents
Increased hunger / appetite
Increased panting, even in cool conditions
Pot-bellied abdomen
Loss of hair, blackheads, darkening of skin, and hard scaly patches on the skin, especially the elbows, etc.
Lack of energy, or interest in exercise
Muscle weakness
Easy bruising, or slow wound healing
Diagnosis
Firstly, a full physical exam, basic blood tests and a urinalysis will be conducted. Based on these results, further work-up is required. This will include specific blood tests, and possibly an ultrasound.
The two tests typically used are the ACTH Stimulation Test or the Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test (LDDST).
The ACTH stimulation test is commonly used when there is significant evidence that your pet may have cushings, or to monitor the progress of diagnosed pets.
Where as the LDDST is typically used when a patients symptoms are unclear, as it is a more sensitive test.
Both tests will require your pet to stay in hospital for the day.
Treatment
Depending on the cause for your pets Cushings disease will determine the treatment options available.
Once diagnosed, your vet will work with you to develop an individual treatment plan for you and your pet.
Prognosis
Vets like diagnosing this condition. It is the most common hormonal disease we see in dogs, and the progression of the disease is incredibility slow.
The great news is that if your pet is diagnosed with Cushings, once treatment is started, their quality of life improves significantly.
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Pets Health is a full service animal hospital with clinics located in Hilton and O’Halloran Hill. We are dedicated to helping you keep your best mate happy and healthy through each stage of their life with compassionate and reassuring veterinary care.
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