Cushing's Disease in Dogs

Cushing's Disease in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

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

Wag Compare logo

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

background

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.

Petted logo

Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?

Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

Get a quote

background

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

arrow-up-icon

Top

Cushing's Disease Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

dog-breed-icon

Mutt

dog-name-icon

dog-age-icon

Eleven Years

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

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

Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon

Poodle

dog-name-icon

Susi

dog-age-icon

11 Years

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

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

Was this question and answer helpful?

Cushing's Disease Average Cost

From 5 quotes ranging from $350 - $3,000

Average Cost

$2,000

Wag Compare logo

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

background
Need pet insurance?
Need pet insurance?

Learn more in the Wag! app

Five starsFive starsFive starsFive starsFive stars

43k+ reviews

Install


© 2024 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.


© 2024 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.