Is my dog suffering with Cushing’s disease? Tips and Tricks

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What Causes Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?

Cushing’s disease in dogs is most commonly seen in middle-aged to older dogs—from about 7 to 12 years old.

There are three types of Cushing’s Disease in dogs:

Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease occurs when a tumor of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain secretes too much of the hormone that stimulates the adrenal gland to make cortisol.

These tumors are typically benign and small; however, 15-20% of patients with pituitary tumors will eventually develop neurologic signs as the tumor grows. Pituitary tumors are responsible for 80-85% of Cushing’s disease cases.

The adrenal glands create stress hormones and are located right next to the kidneys. An adrenal gland tumor can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Adrenal tumors cause 15-20% of Cushing’s disease cases.

Iatrogenic Cushing’s disease in dogs is caused by excessive or long-term use of steroids.

How Is Cushing’s Disease Diagnosed in Dogs?

Although there is no single test that will diagnose 100% of cases, your veterinarian will likely recommend some combination of the following:

  • Baseline bloodwork (CBC/Chemistry)
  • Urinalysis +/- urine culture (to rule out urinary tract infections)
  • ACTH stimulation test (can have false negatives)
  • Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (can be affected by other illnesses)
  • High-dose dexamethasone suppression test
  • Urine cortisol to creatinine ratio
  • Abdominal ultrasound (can identify changes in liver and adrenal gland enlargement or tumors)
  • Computerized tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging (can detect pituitary tumors)

    • What are the symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs?

    In dogs, the most common symptoms of Cushing’s disease include:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Hair loss
  • Muscle weakness
  • Thin skin
  • Recurrent skin infections
  • Increased urination
  • Potbelly / enlarged abdomen
  • Panting
  • Decreased energy
  • Increased appetite

    • If your dog is suffering from Cushings disease you may notice one or more of the above symptoms. Many signs of Cushings disease are vague but its important to take your pup to see your vet for an examination if you notice that they are displaying any of the common symptoms of Cushings.

    Pets with Cushing’s disease face an increased risk of developing a host of serious conditions including kidney damage, high blood pressure, blood clots, and diabetes if the condition is left untreated.

    Cushings Disease in Dogs: Natural Treatment

    What is Cushing’s disease? Also known as hyperadrenocorticism this disease is caused by a benign tumour located in the pituitary gland. The hormone secreted by the pituitary gland informs all other glands to produce cortisol in huge doses.

    An excess of cortisol causes all sorts of problems. Cortisol is a steroid hormone and these steroids have side effects including the development of Cushing’s. Here we explain this disorder; what happens when Cushing’s in dogs is left untreated. It also covers when to euthanize a dog with Cushing’s disease.

    This disorder causes the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol. The adrenal glands in your dog are located next to the kidneys. Here a variety of hormones are produced by the outer cortex:

    This is when the pituitary gland overproduces the hormone ACTH. This triggers excessive levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

    This recently discovered disorder happens when the adrenal cortex produces excess steroid hormones resulting in similar signs to typical Cushing’s.