Introduction
Cushing’s disease in dogs, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is the most common disorder of the endocrine system in aging dogs. There are two different forms of canine Cushing’s disease (Pituitary Based & Adrenal Based), but both forms cause the same classic Cushing’s symptoms to appear. Either form of the disease requires treatment, and there are different treatment options for Cushing's Disease available.
How Cushing's Affects Dogs
The endocrine system refers to a group of organs in the body which are responsible for releasing hormones. If one of these organs fails to work properly, serious hormonal balances occur. In the case of Cushing’s disease too much steroid hormones, called glucocorticoids, are released on a continual basis. Glucocorticoids help to regulate a number of functions in the body including heart functions and metabolism. When too many of these hormones are released, many vital body functions begin to break down.
Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease in Dogs
- Increased thirst / Increased urination
- Changes in the coat (patchy areas of hair loss)
- Pot-belly appearance
- Increased appetite
- Thin skin where you see more of the vasculature in the skin
Types of Cushing's Disease
The two forms of Cushing’s disease in dogs are pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism and adrenal based hyperadrenocorticism.
Pituitary Dependent Cushing’s
Pituitary dependent Cushing’s is the most commonly diagnosed form. Pituitary dependent Cushing’s generally occurs because the pituitary gland is affected by a tumor. In this case, the pituitary gland releases too much adrenocorticotropic hormone which in turn causes the adrenal gland to release high levels of glucocorticoids.
Adrenal Based Cushing’s
Adrenal based Cushing’s is either caused by an adrenal tumor or high doses of steroids, and the affected adrenal gland produces too many glucocorticoids as a result.
Cushing’s disease is a slow, progressive, disease, and in many cases a dog may have had the disease for years until a pet owner notices that something is wrong. Fortunately there are a number of treatments available for Cushing’s disease, and most dogs respond well to treatment. In most cases, the treatments consist of lifelong medications.