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Canine Cushing's disease or hyperadrenocorticism is a common endocrinopathy seen in today's
practice. Much has been written about Cushing's disease with numerous articles and web sites
devoted to the subject.
Cushing's disease is a primary disease resulting in over production of glucocorticoids in the
body. Glucocorticoids are hormones produced by the adrenal glands and have important roles in
the body. Over production leads to a variety of clinical signs, including hair loss or hair
thinning, weight gain, marked increase in thirst and subsequent increase in urination. Dogs
with Cushing's will, over time, develop a "paunchy" or "beer belly" appearance due to the
weakening of the abdominal muscles. Patients with Cushing's are more susceptible and show
more signs of skin disease, ear disease, urinary tract infections, and others.
Diagnosis of the Cushing's involves the use of blood tests, generally. There is a preliminary
screening test that relies on urine for detection of increased levels of cortisol excreted in
the urine (Urine Creatinine - Cortisol ratio, or UCC). Most commonly, however, use of either
an ACTH stimulation test or Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test of LDDS. In both cases,
blood is drawn prior to administration of the ACTH or Dexamethasone. Blood is then drawn at 2,
4, and 8 hours following the injection. Patients with Cushing's disease will show greater
levels of cortisol at the end-target time.
Dogs that have been diagnosed with Cushing's disease are treated medically, in most cases,
except those with a primary adrenal gland tumor. In many of those patients, surgical removal
of the gland is indicated. There are many drugs used today that help most, if not all, of
dogs with Cushing's disease.
The most recent medical advance is in the use of a new drug, Trilostane. Trilostane inhibits
the production of progesterone and therefore, the production of its end products. It is more
expensive than earlier medications, but has far fewer side effects on the patient, and is
currently most widely recommended.
For further information concerning Canine Cushing’s Disease, please visit the following web
sites:
www.vin.com
www.peteducation.com
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