Although dogs, cats, horses and humans can get hyperadrenocorticism, commonly known as Cushing’s disease, it is more often found in dogs.
With a diagnosis of Cushing’s disease in dogs, life expectancy can be maintained with close monitoring by a veterinarian and the pet owner. If your pet is diagnosed with this disease, you should be diligent in providing medication as prescribed. It is also vital that your pet be taken in for blood work on schedule.
Cause: Too Much Cortisol
This disease is the result of the body producing too much cortisol. One of the body’s natural steroids, cortisol is produced and stored by the adrenals. These two small glands sit on top of the kidneys.
According to Ann Stohlman, VMD, a veterinarian for the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, a normal amount of cortisol is good. Not only does it help the body adapt in times of stress but it also helps regulate good health features, including body weight, tissue structure and skin condition. Too much cortisol, however, weakens the immune system, making the dog more vulnerable to diseases and infections.
Video Overview
Here is a quick video explaining more. Watch this, and then we’ll discuss treatment and life expectancy.
Symptoms
- Increased appetite, thirst and urination
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Reduced activity
- Loss of hair
- Excessive panting
- Skin irritations or bruising
- A “pot-bellied” appearance (bloated abdomen)
Treatment
There are two types of Cushing’s disease: pituitary-dependent and adrenal-dependent. Treatment methods vary depending on each of these two types (and also the severity of the disease).
Pituitary-dependent: Treatment for this most common type of the disease is lifelong oral medication. According to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine and also Vetinfo.com, giving the medication in the proper amounts makes it possible to kill enough of the gland to keep the corticosteroids at normal levels.
While treatment does not cure the pituitary tumor or increase the lifespan of the dog, it will treat the symptoms, improving his quality of life. With treatment, the outcome is usually good. Appetite and water consumption usually return quickly, while full return of fur may take a few months.
Adrenal-dependent: Treatment for this type of the disease involves surgical removal of the cancerous adrenal gland. This surgical procedure is called an adrenalectomy. Since it can be a high-risk surgery, many veterinarians choose to have a specialist perform this operation. Adrenal tumors can spread to the lungs and liver, in which case all of the cancer cannot be surgically removed.
Life Expectancy
With Cushing’s disease in dogs, life expectancy depends a lot on the care and nurturing the canine receives. With 85 percent of cases being pituitary-dependent and 15 percent being adrenal-dependent, treatment not only depends on the type but also on the individual canine’s overall health. Many affected dogs are elderly and have other health factors, making treatment somewhat complicated.
Once the disease is under control, your pet may live quite happily for years. As measured by your dog’s comfort as the main goal, the success of treatment can be remarkable. With proper medical attention, your dog should see major improvements after about two months.
Additional Resources
- FDA: Treating Cushing’s disease in dogs
- WSU College of Veterinary Medicine: Cushing’s disease
- VetInfo: Causes and symptoms of hyperadrenocorticism
Photo: Nottingham Vet School/Flickr
