Cushing's disease
Cushing's disease, Cushing's Syndrome or hyperadrenocorticism in dogs is a disorder of the adrenal gland.
The adrenal gland is a small organ located above the kidney. It consists of a cortex and a nucleus or medulla.
The adrenal cortex normally secretes hormones: the adrenal cortex hormones,corticosteroids or corticoids. According to their function, we distinguish 3 types of adrenal cortex hormones: mineralocorticoid hormones, glucocorticoid hormones and sex hormones.
The secretion of these adrenal cortical hormones is regulated by the pituitary gland, a small organ hanging at the base of the brain.
In Cushing's disease, too many hormones are secreted by the adrenal cortex.
Usually this is due to a tumor on the pituitary gland, which disrupts hormone balance.
In rare cases, it is a tumor of the adrenal cortex itself.
Cushing's syndrome is seen more often in some small dog breeds such as the poodle, terriers and dachshunds and is most common in older dogs.
Symptoms
A dog with Cushing's disease will almost always drink and urinate excessively. This is usually the first symptom noticed.
After several weeks to months, the dog will show other signs as well. Skin changes develop: baldness on the back and tail, the skin becomes thinner and may darken. Many dogs with Cushing also start panting. Muscle weakness and an enlargement of the abdomen develop.
Excessive eating or polyphagia is another common sign.
Many dogs with Cushing's disease have a typical appearance: fat belly with sagging back and bare flanks.
Dogs with Cushing's disease have reduced immunity and are more susceptible to disease.
The symptoms usually indicate that it is Cushing's disease. A blood test and urinalysis confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
If Cushing's syndrome is a result of an adrenal tumor, it will be surgically removed.
With pituitary tumors, attempts will be made to limit the production of adrenal cortex hormones with medication. This medication destroys the adrenal cortex, eliminating hormone production. The dog will then also have to be given medication to replace these hormones.
In some highly specialized centers, one can also surgically remove or irradiate the pituitary tumor.
Prognosis
If left untreated, dogs with Cushing's disease will die from the effects of the disease.
If the tumor on the adrenal gland was successfully removed and no metastases were present, the prognosis is good.
Dogs with a pituitary tumor can usually be kept well for several years with medication..
