What are the symptoms of end stage Cushings disease in dogs? Let’s Explore

Medication For Cushing’s Disease In Dogs

Cushing’s disease is one of the canine diseases in which the adrenal glands secrete too much cortisol. It can lead to what we call Cushing’s syndrome, which is characterized by an increased number of fat cells. This condition can be treated with medications that help reduce the production of cortisol and by surgery that removes the adrenal glands.

A common medication for treating Cushing’s disease in dogs is metyrapone, which suppresses the production of cortisol from the adrenals and helps to cure this disease.

Metyrapone is a medicine that has been used considering that 1985 to treat Cushing’s syndrome of puppies.

Cushing’s disease is a genetic condition in dogs that occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. When they have this disease, they may have a lot of symptoms like excessive weight gain, muscle wasting, and slow growth. The situation may be treated with medicine.

Cushing’s disease is a genetic condition that occurs when the body produces too much cortisol by mistake. “Cushing” refers to an individual who discovered Cushing’s syndrome, which caused high levels of adrenaline and cortisone in the bloodstream.

Dogs experience many symptoms related to Cushing’s Disease, including excess weight gain, muscle wasting, and slow growth. This condition can be treated with medication, but it will not go away on its own because it is genetic.

Signs & symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs

Symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs may vary from dog to dog. Like other endocrine disorders, Cushing’s disease can be challenging to detect until the condition is well underway, and many of the symptoms may initially seem unrelated.

Hyperadrenocorticism affects multiple organ systems, which creates widespread symptoms, including changes in behavior, appearance, and disease resistance. You may notice that your dog appears more hungry and thirsty than usual or has difficulty handling heat. Dogs with Cushing’s disease are also more likely to contract infections like urinary tract infections and bacterial skin infections, as the virus suppresses their immune systems.

One of the more distinctive signs of Cushing’s disease in dogs as the condition progresses is a pot-bellied appearance, which results from enlargement of the liver and a redistribution of body fat. Hair loss is also common, especially on the abdomen.

Common symptoms of Cushing’s disease:

  • Excessive panting
  • Lethargy
  • Muscle weakness due to muscle atrophy
  • Pot-bellied appearance
  • Heat intolerance
  • Increased thirst and increased urination
  • Increased incidence of urinary tract infections
  • Alopecia (hair loss)
  • Increased risk of bacterial skin infections
  • Calcinosis cutis (hardening of the nose and pads)
  • Increased appetite
  • 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)
  • Dog Cushings Disease. Dr. Dan covers symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Cushing’s disease