Excessive Thirst and Frequent Urination: Could Your Dog Have Cushing’s Disease?

Excessive thirst and frequent urination are signs of four serious canine medical problems, including diabetes, kidney problems, liver disease, and Cushing’s disease. Unfortunately, not treating Cushing’s disease could precipitate the others.

After running the basic tests, your vet has eliminated the first three, leaving Cushing’s Disease as the diagnosis.

What is Cushing’s disease?

Cushing’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome, as it is sometimes called, is also known as hyperadrenocorticism. Due to the fact that older dogs are more prone to tumors, it is most often found in middle-aged and older dogs. That doesn’t mean that younger dogs are immune to it.

The disease is a disease caused by the excessive production of cortisol, a natural steroid hormone. It is normally released in response to stress or low levels of glucocorticoids in the blood. The main functions are to increase blood sugar, metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates, and suppress your dog’s immune system.

This disease can be controlled, but not cured.

There are three known Cushings origins. They are: tumors, lactrogenic or “veterinarian-induced Cushings” due to the excessive use of glucorticoids (steroids, ie prednisone, prednisolone, hydrocortisone, etc.) and the andrenocorticotophic hormone (ACTH) also produced by the pituitary gland.

Most of the time, the source of the disease is an overactive pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. Approximately 85% of Cushings in dogs originate from a tiny benign tumor in the pituitary gland.

In the other 15% of cases, it can be caused by a tumor in one or both adrenal glands, which are located in front of the kidneys. About 50% of these tumors are benign.

Signs and symptoms: what to watch out for.

There are more than a few signs and symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs, including: extended belly, excessive thirst, frequent urination, accidental urination in the house, increased appetite, weight gain, excessive shedding, baldness, difficulty in breathing, lethargy, seeking cooler places to sleep, muscle loss, hypertension, excessive panting, anxious / restless appearance, delayed wound healing, thin skin, easy bruising, and mood swings. For some, they are reluctant to jump off or climb furniture. Changes in the coat, such as brittleness and dullness, are also an indication.

Dogs suffering from Cushing are prone to ear, skin, and urinary tract infections.

Who gets Cushing’s syndrome?

All races and ages are at risk. Middle age and older people more.

The breeds that seem most predisposed are: Beagles, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Dachshunds, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Jack Russells, Labrador Retrievers, Scottish Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers.

Women are believed to be at slightly higher risk. Spayed and neutered dogs are believed to be more prone than intact animals.

Signs and symptoms begin to appear frequently when the animal is approximately 10 years old or older. The sooner the owner suspects and acts, the better it will be for their pet.

How is Cushings diagnosed?

Starting with the basic blood tests that are used as a baseline, there are a number of tests that can be performed to help diagnose the disease.

The ACTH mock test uses the initial blood test as the basis. Your dog is then injected with ACTH, an andrenocorticotophic hormone, to stimulate the glands to release their hormones. A dog will have a very high level of cortisol. The elevated cortisol level is then measured and compared to the baseline. This test cannot differentiate between pituitary and adrenal Cushing.

The urine cortisol / creatinine ratio test can rule out the presence of Cushing.

The low-dose dexamethasone suppression test is the most recommended and has shown the best results for diagnosing Cushings.

The high dose dexamtasone suppression test is used to differentiate which type of cushioning, pituitary or adrenal.

MRIs and CT scans are also used to detect and check the progress of this disease.

Can Cushings be treated?

Yes, but keep in mind that there is no cure. There are options to help make your pet more comfortable and improve its quality of life. They include:

1. If your dog is an older adult and suffers from arthritis or other serious health problems, it may be best to leave him alone. At her age and condition, the treatments can be too stressful.

2. Chemotherapy can be used for both pituitary and adrenal tumors.

3. Radiation is most often used in pituitary tumors.

4. Surgery is most often used to remove adrenal tumors, as they are usually larger. Only experienced veterinary surgeons should perform this surgery.

5. Medications: some have serious side effects for the dog. You should use caution when handling Lysodren!

Lysodren, the most common drug prescribed for pituitary tumors. Serious side effects are known. Regular ACTH tests are needed when using this drug. It should not be handled by pregnant women. Surgical gloves should be worn during handling. Wash your hands well!

Anipryl is a psychotropic drug, the various side effects of which have been shown to have some positive effects on Cushings.

Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication whose side effects have been shown to have several positive effects on Cushings.

Vetoryl is an adrenosuppressant. The British have encouraging reports on its safety and efficacy.

6. Reduce and gradually eliminate the amount of steroids that your veterinarian has prescribed for your dog, you can treat lactrogenic or “Veterinary Induced Cushing”. This allows the acorns to return to their normal function.

What happens if Cushings is not treated?

As mentioned, there is no cure for Cushing, but depending on your dog’s age and general health, it can be managed. If left untreated, your dog can develop diabetes, hypertension, seizures, congestive heart failure, blood clots, pancreatitis, liver and / or kidney failure.

Bottom line: Cushing’s disease is serious. Taking into account your dog’s age and general health, as well as disease progression, plus sufficient research and speaking not only with your vet, but also getting a second opinion, will help you make a responsible decision about what which you consider best. treatment for your pet. Knowing that there is no cure, his conclusion will focus on providing them with the best quality of life, during the time they have to share together.

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