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Cushing's Disease in Dogs
What is Cushing's Disease?
Cushing’s Disease is characterized by an overproduction of the hormone cortisol. This hormone, normally present in low levels and elevated during stress, helps to suppress inflammatory signaling and raise blood sugar, and is identical to the active ingredient in hydrocortisone anti-itch cream.
Cortisol production behaves like a thermostat, turning on and off in response to circulating levels of the hormone. It starts with the hypothalamus, a gland in the brain which releases the hormone CRH either in response to stress or to maintain the normal level of cortisol. CRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release ACTH, which is carried by the blood to the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys. The cortex (outer layer) of the adrenal glands secretes cortisol into the bloodstream. When a sufficient amount of cortisol has been released, the hypothalamus stops releasing CRH, which signals the pituitary gland to stop releasing ACTH, the lack of which causes the adrenal glands to cease the production of cortisol.
Cushing’s disease is a defect in this process leading to the production of excessive cortisol, which usually occurs either with the pituitary or adrenal glands. Excessive cortisol is harmful to health and can cause enlargement of the liver, hair loss, skin irritation (including bruising, acne and thinning of the skin), obesity and recurrent urinary infections due to a suppressed immune system. These symptoms present very gradually, but can shorten your pet’s lifespan and reduce their quality of life. See the veterinarian if your dog seems to be gaining weight without eating more, has any abdominal enlargement (potbelly), or is experiencing any hair loss. Since Cushing’s disease occurs more often in older dogs, it can be mistaken for simple aging. Only a veterinarian can tell you if your dog’s symptoms are age-related or indicative of a disease. Successful diagnosis and treatment can give you years longer with your pet.
Cushing’s disease, clinically defined as hyperadrenocorticism, is a disorder in which an animal’s endocrine glands no longer maintain the correct balance of the hormone cortisol. This disease may originate from neoplasm or trauma to either the pituitary or the adrenal glands. Additionally, iatrogenic Cushing’s may arise from over-treatment with anti-inflammatory corticosteroids.Cushing's Disease Average Cost
From 5 quotes ranging from $350 - $3,000
Average Cost
$2,000
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Symptoms of Cushing's Disease in Dogs
- Excessive thirst and/or hunger
- Frequent urination
- Inability to cope with hot weather
- Lethargy or abnormal behavior
- Muscle weakness
- Redistribution of weight to abdomen (bony head and legs, fat body)
- Enlargement of the abdominal region
- Excessive panting when not hot or exercising
- Recurring urinary tract infections
- Hair loss
- Thinning or sensitization of the skin
- Acne or pustules
- Reddened, irritated or flaky skin
Causes of Cushing's Disease in Dogs
- Pituitary tumor or damage
- Adrenal tumor or damage
- Excessive treatment with corticosteroids.
Types
- Pituitary-dependent
- Adrenal-dependent
- Latrogenic (excessive steroid treatment)
Diagnosis of Cushing's Disease in Dogs
Diagnosing Cushing’s disease can be difficult, as there is no single definitive lab test and many conditions may present along with the disease, complicating the diagnosis. A successful identification of Cushing’s will depend on the owner’s vigilance and description of changes in the dog’s habits and body, along with an analysis of all the symptoms by a veterinarian.
After a physical examination of your dog, checking for an enlarged liver and examining any skin complaints, the veterinarian will likely send urine and blood to the lab for testing. Abnormalities in the blood that may indicate Cushing’s include increased SAP (serum alkaline phosphatase), increased ALT, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and lower BUN (blood urea nitrogen). Diabetes often co-presents with Cushing’s.
If your dog is otherwise healthy, a urine test measuring the ratio of cortisol to creatinine can easily indicate Cushing’s disease, but this test may also return positive results if your dog has additional, different conditions. This urine sample must be obtained by the owner at home when the dog is relaxed- the stress of a car journey or fear of the veterinarian's office can cause stress-released cortisol to artificially inflate the cortisol to creatinine ratio.
Once Cushing’s disease is suspected, there are a number of tests that can be performed to confirm the diagnosis and shed light on the source of the condition (i.e. pituitary vs adrenal problem). An ACTH stimulation test is conducted by administering artificial ACTH and measuring the response of the adrenal glands. Elevated response from the adrenal glands disproportionate to the amount of ACTH administered can indicate Cushing’s disease, and implicates the adrenal glands (or over-treatment with steroids) as the cause. An LDDS is less sensitive (often giving false positives if the dog has a different illness) but rarely gives false negatives. LDDS involves administering a pituitary-suppressing compound and measuring how long it takes the pituitary to “escape” the suppression and continue producing ACTH. A 3-4 hour window where ACTH production is low, followed by resumption of production at around 8 hours strongly suggests pituitary-dependent Cushing’s.
Once Cushing’s has been tentatively diagnosed, the next step is medical imaging to determine whether a tumor or unusual damage may be causing the problem. To examine the pituitary gland, MRI is the machine of choice. For the adrenal glands, ultrasound is preferred, and likely can be used in your veterinarian's office upon suspecting Cushing’s, as it is easily portable and noninvasive.
Treatment of Cushing's Disease in Dogs
The treatments for Cushing’s disease usually fall under three categories: medication, surgery or radiation.For Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s, administration of mitotane helps to suppress production of ACTH. This treatment is usually administered for 7-10 days at a low dose to see how the animal responds. An additional ACTH response test should be conducted to check the dosage. The treatment is continued for life. It may be necessary to increase the dosage every so often, so an ACTH test and physical exam should be conducted every 3-4 months. For pituitary cancers or tumors, radiation therapy is often successful, but will require some temporary administration of mitotane to bring the ACTH levels under control initially. Additionally, trilostane can be used to reduce the adrenal gland’s ability to secrete cortisol, and is a reasonable alternative to mitotane in dogs who experience adverse reactions.
For Adrenal-dependent Cushing’s, surgical removal of adrenal tumors can bring the disease under control, but surgical staff must watch for a severe drop in cortisol due to the reduction in cortisol-producing tissue and the body’s acclimation to the higher levels. Corticosteroids may need to be administered to replace cortisone and gradually tapered off. Mitotane is not recommended for Adrenal-Dependant Cushing’s, as the necessary dose is 4 times as high, and carries much more serious side effects.
Finally, if Iatrogenic (treatment-initiated) Cushing’s is suspected, an examination of the steroids being used and the treatment is needed. Steroids are often administered to treat joint pain, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases, but are essentially just different types of cortisol, and can cause the same damage as a body’s natural overproduction of cortisol. Switching to a shorter acting, pill-form steroid like prednisone or prednisolone in addition to slow reduction of the dose can correct the disease.
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Recovery of Cushing's Disease in Dogs
The outlook for dog’s with Cushing’s will depend on the root cause of the disease, but is often positive. Pituitary tumors respond well to radiation therapy, and medication can bring the disease under control. Adrenal tumors are more serious and carry a more mixed outlook, with the overall cure rate after surgery being around 50%.
Mitotane treatment carries the risk of gastrointestinal irritation, weakness, and difficulty walking. This can be managed by dividing the treatment into two doses given with food morning and evening. Trilostane must be administered more often, and carries a slight risk of necrosis to the adrenal glands, so periodic ultrasounds should be conducted.
In the case of Iatrogenic Cushing’s, managing a dog’s arthritis or other inflammatory disorder with reduced steroids can be challenging, and settling for shorter walks and gentler play may be the tradeoff in treating Cushing’s. However, with a carefully planned dosage schedule and a faster-acting steroid, a successful balance can be struck to keep your pet healthy and mobile.
Cushing's Disease Average Cost
From 5 quotes ranging from $350 - $3,000
Average Cost
$2,000
Top
Cushing's Disease Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Mutt
Eleven Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Heavy Panting, Increased Appetite, Weight Gain, Muscle Wasting And Arthritis In Hkng Quarters
Bandicoot is a 77 pound mixed breed. He had blood work done to rule out heart and liver problems a few months a go.All bloodwork came back WNL. They called it a life panel. But since then his breathing has gotten much worse. He pants heavily without activity. He continues to put weight on around his abdomen despite being a Hill's weight management food. He always seems starving and is always seeking out things to eat. Exercise has been difficult due to his hind-end but we do take short walks. The heavy panting is my biggest concern. I'm afraid he is just going to collapse.
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
His panting may be due to his weight gain, and if they did not check his thyroid, that may be a good idea. Otherwise, If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet rechecked by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 22, 2020
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Poodle
Susi
11 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hair Loss
Hair Loss, Urination
My dog is 11.5 years old, female poodle. She has done liver lump removal last 2 weeks (2 liver lobes taken away) and diagnosed to get cushing's disease.
She took 4 times 10mg vetroyl in 2 days and her appetite becomes more. The vet asked me to stop the drug and wait for another consultation.
My question is Vetroyl is fitted for her current condition. The manual said it is not suitable to kidney disorder. Other than Vetroyl, can I take more mild drugs ie lignans and melatonin?
Thanks for your help!
Cheers
Erica
May 13, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Without knowing more about Susi's condition, history, and pathology of her liver mass, I have a hard time commenting on what medications may work for her. Cushing's disease is a difficult disease to treat sometimes, and often requires frequent communication with your veterinarian. Vetoryl is a very appropriate medication for a dog with Cushing's, and the dosage can take a few adjustments. It would be best to follow up with your veterinarian and assess how she is doing. I hope that all goes well for her!
May 13, 2018
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Miniature Schnauzer
Bailey
7 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Eating Toilet Paper
Eating Toilet Paper, Peeing In The Gain
Bailey is a miniature schnauzer who is 7 years old. He has gained several pounds in the past 2 years. He pees on my floor numerous times a night. He also started eating toilet paper and will eat to excess (48 buffalo boneless wings, extra hot) which he has never done before. He will be tested next week for Cushings. How much will his meds cost if he does have it?
March 8, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. The cost of medications can vary depending on where you live, what his dosage range is, and what medication your veterinarian thinks would be best for him, as there are different medications to treat Cushing's disease. It would be best to ask your veterinarian, as they have an idea as to what medications will be most appropriate for him. Typically, medications to treat Cushing's disease are not prohibitively expensive.
March 8, 2018
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Siberian Husky
Nala
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Increased Thirst
Hair Loss
Increased Urination
Skin Lump
Panting
Flaky Skin
Pot Belly
My Siberian Husky is suspected of having Cushing's but further testing needs to be done to get a better answer, and then determine if it's pituitary or adrenal related. Most of her blood work came back normal, but the liver enzymes were high. The ALT was not too high - 162, compared to the high end of the range of 151. But the alkaline phosphate one was 2,604 compared to the high end of the range at 289 for the lab that was used. My vet talked about the tests and the cost of those plus medication and the life expectancy etc. The way she talked didn't sound like she thought it was worth treating.
Is not treating/managing this condition really an option? Will she get better or will treatment just keep the condition from getting worse if there is no cure?
Jan. 24, 2018
0 Recommendations
Cushing’s disease/syndrome is a lifelong condition which can be managed day to day to improve the quality of life for the patient; however since the condition is lifelong the management is lifelong as well. Medical management generally involves managing the symptoms and keeping a patient in the best health possible during their life, if there is a tumour then surgical excision may be curative; you should discuss this all with your Veterinarian as they will give you more information regarding Nala’s specific case. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.embracepetinsurance.com/waterbowl/article/to-treat-or-not-to-treat-cushings-disease
Jan. 25, 2018
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Daschund
Oscar
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Energy
Pot Bellied
Liver Enlarged
Increased Thirst And Hunger
I have had the chushings test done and should receive the results tomorrow. From what I've seen from my dogs x-ray I know the liver is enlarged and pressing on other organs, I also know that he is not in any pain just discomfort.I have been told to start him on Vetoryl 30mg if the cushings test is positive. My question is, based on your experience and knowledge, could the Vetoryl shrink the liver back to normal or a smaller size? My dog has lost alot of muscle mass as well, what can I do to help him restore it?
Jan. 21, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. It is unlikely that the Vetoryl will decrease his enlarged liver, although if he does have Cushings is may help a little. The liver enlargement in Cushing's disease is typically due to chronic cortisol stimulation, so if you are able to decrease that stimulation, the liver may decrease in size - it really is an individual response to see how the medication works for Oscar. His loss of muscle mass may be due to other factors than the Cushing's disease, such as arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. If your veterinarian thinks it would be appropriate for him, physical therapy can help to preserve muscle mass, and your veterinarian will be able to refer you to an appropriate person to help you with that. I hope that he does well, regardless of the test results.
Jan. 21, 2018
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Bichon Frise
Prade
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hair Loss
My dog, a Bichon Frise, 9 years old, has recently been diagnosed with Cushing's Disease through extensive blood work done at Michigan State and Dexamethasone testing. She weighs 13.5 pounds and has been on 15 mg of Trilostane for the past 1.5 months. Although we have not been able to diagnose if her disease as adrenal or pituitary gland related. I guess this would need to be done definitely through a high def ultrasound? Since taking Trilostane for about 1.5 months, she has lost her undercoat hair, and I fear she will lose her topcoat hair as well. We did not see ANY signs of hair loss prior to starting Trilostane treatment. Her numbers have come into normal range from 30 to 5. Any advise on getting a definitive diagnosis on the source of her Cushing's Disease; what is the least harsh way to treat it; and how we can regain her hair growth (or at a minimum stop the hair loss) would be greatly appreciated. I have dealt with a lot of serious health issues in dogs and humans, but this one has me totally stumped. Thank you.
Boston Terrier
Jak
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss
Incontinence
Poor Appetite
Skin Lump
Jak has had Cushing's for over 3 years now. Treated with Trilostane. He has progressively gotten worse and we know the time in nearing. He has recently started getting "confused" and standing in the corner's of rooms or getting stuck behind furniture. I feel terrible when we are gone to work, I have no idea how long he has been there.
Pit bull
BUTTERS
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Seizure
My 8 year old pit bull had Cushing`s in 2015. Unfortunately I didn't notice the signs until it was too late and treatment was no longer an option. I had to have her euthanized. I was told that white dogs or more likely to get this disease. Is that true?
Cushing's Disease Average Cost
From 5 quotes ranging from $350 - $3,000
Average Cost
$2,000
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
