Cushing's Disease in Dogs: What to Know
Cushing's disease, also known as Cushing's syndrome or by its technical name of hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition that some people recognize as affecting humans. However, Cushing's disease can also impact dogs and other animals. This lesser-known canine condition can have a major impact on your dog's health and well-being. It is important that you know about the disease as well as about the signs and symptoms and treatment options available. Then, you can be sure you go to one of the veterinarian clinics in your area if your dog seems as if they could have Cushing's disease.
What Is Cushing's Disease?
Cushing's disease occurs when the body's adrenal glands produce too much of specific hormones, including cortisol. The adrenal glands are glands found near the kidneys and they produce many hormones to help regulate the body. The problem is that, when hormones are overproduced, a dog's health can suffer, and in severe cases of Cushing's disease this overproduction of hormones can threaten their life.
What Are the Symptoms of Cushing's Disease?
Dogs with Cushing's disease can have many symptoms, some of them more obvious or noticeable than others. When a dog has Cushing's disease, they may become excessively hungry, for example. Their appetite may be voracious no matter how much food or how many treats you give them.
Dogs that have Cushing's disease may also appear to be extremely bloated or have a large, distended belly. Their coat may also start to lose its luster and appear dull or unkempt. Energy levels may also drop drastically when a dog develops Cushing's disease.
Increased thirst is also another sign of the condition to watch out for. If your dog is draining the water bowl every day, you might have cause for concern. Of course, along with the excessive water consumption comes increased urination as well.
What Are the Treatments for Cushing's Disease?
When you notice signs of Cushing's disease in your dog, you should go to a veterinarian clinic right away. They will run tests on your dog, which may include blood work, urine tests, and even ultrasounds. If your dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, there are treatments available.
Most of the time, medications are taken regularly every day (often several times a day) to manage Cushing's disease. The medications used to treat the condition are designed to stop the adrenal glands from producing so much cortisol.
Your dog may need to be on these medications for the rest of their life. They will also likely need regular check-ups and blood tests from the veterinarian clinic to ensure that the cortisol levels are in a healthy range.
Now that you know more about Cushing's disease in dogs, you can be sure you contact a vet if your dog develop symptoms. For more information, contact local veterinarian clinics.
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