Cushings Disease
I need some advise and would like to know what is going to happen. We are preparing ourself for the worst tomorrow. I am taking her to the vet in the morning. She is 11 and was in perfect health before this. Some advise please. Chels |
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| Cushings disease??? I've only ever heard about it in horses, I had no idea that dogs could get it. In horses it is caused by a gland (I'm not sure if it is an over or under active gland) that produces weight gain and extreme hair growth... those are the side effects, I cannot remember what the actual health effects are. There is a horse with Cushings at the stable we got to, and he has to have a pill every day to help keep him healthy...
I'm sorry I'm not more help... |
| Cushing's can occur in any animal or person who has an adrenal gland. It is the primary reason that I only use prednison as a last resort for my highly allergic boy.
From vetinfo.com Cushing's disease is probably more accurately referred to as hyperadrenocorticism -- the production of too much adrenal hormone, in particular corticosteroids. It can be naturally occurring or due to over administration of corticosteroids such as prednisone (iatrogenic Cushings). The latter is easy to cure - just cut out the corticosteroid administration slowly to allow the body to return to normal function. The former is more difficult. Hyperadrenocorticism occurs for two reasons --- a tumor of the adrenal gland that produces adrenal hormones or stimulation of the normal adrenal glands from the hormones that control it. The primary reason for this to occur is a pituitary gland tumor that produces excessive ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal gland to produce corticosteroids. Adrenal gland tumors account for 15% of the cases of spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism. Pituitary tumors account for 85%. Cushing's disease causes increased drinking, increased urination, increased appetite, panting, high blood pressure, hair loss - usually evenly distributed on both sides of the body, pendulous abdomen, thinning of the skin, calcified lumps in the skin, susceptibility to skin infections and diabetes, weakening of the heart and skeletal muscles, nervous system disease and other symptoms. Most owners reach a point where the water consumption and urination become bothersome to them. The diagnosis of Cushing's can be done with several blood tests. A general hint of Cushing's can be obtained by a blood panel. To confirm it, a test known as a low dose dexamethasone test is done. A baseline blood sample is drawn in the morning, an injection of dexamethasone given and a follow-up blood test done 8 hours later. In a normal dog, the dexamethasone should suppress cortisol levels in the blood stream. In Cushing's disease this effect does not occur. Once the disease is diagnosed, it is possible to differentiate between the adrenal tumors and pituitary gland tumors using a second test, a high dose dexamethasone suppression test. Most dogs with pituitary tumors will have cortisol suppression on this test. There are other tests used, including ACTH response tests and urine cortisol/creatinine ratios to diagnose this disease. X-rays and ultrasonography can help determine if an adrenal gland tumor is present. If it can be determined that there is an adrenal gland tumor, it can be removed. Many veterinarians prefer to have a specialist attempt this since the surgical risks can be high. Pituitary gland tumors are not usually removed in veterinary medicine. This situation is treated using Lysodren (o'p'-DDD, which is a relative of DDT) or ketaconazole. Some research with Deprenyl for treatment of this is being done, too, I think. Lysodren selectively kills the outer layer of the adrenal gland that produces corticosteroids. By administering it in proper amounts it is possible to kill just enough of the gland off to keep the production of corticosteroids to normal levels. Obviously, close regulation of this using blood testing is necessary since overdoing it can cause severe problems with Addison's disease - hypoadrenocorticism. Adverse reactions to Lysodren occur at times but it is the standard treatment at this time. Over medication with Lysodren can cause inappetance, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and weakness. If any of these signs occur then your veterinarian should be immediately notified. Treatment of Cushing's disease caused by pituitary tumors is symptomatic therapy -- it does not cure the pituitary tumor. The average lifespan of dogs diagnosed with Cushing's, with or without treatment is estimated at 2 years by Dr. Mark Peterson, but in a recent conversation with another endocrinologist I came away with the impression that this was an "educated guess" rather than the result of extensive survey of Cushing's patients. At present, though, I think that treatment should be viewed as a means of providing a better quality lifestyle rather than as a method of extending longevity. |
| Good luck with everything - we're thinking of you and your family. |
| Our Mr. Winston had Cushing's Disease, diagnosed when he was about 7 years old. From what I recall, everything 'Mom of Three' has stated is correct. We knew something was wrong because Winston's hair was thinning. Our vet suspected Cushing's because of the symmetrical hair loss pattern. He was on Lysodren and lived just short of 14 years old, which was approximately seven years after his diagnosis. At the end he was very arthritic and eventually passed away from pneumonia. Other than regular meds he lived what we considered a very normal, long life.
Don't give up hope. Winston lived from October 1981 to July 1995. I'm sure since that time there are many advancements in that area of veterinary medicine. Please keep us posted on Casey's progress. Nita |
| We had three dogs in 2 years come into the care of our rescue group that were subsequently diagnosed with Cushings. Lots of bloodwork, at intervals to stabaise the meds. It is manageable. All 3 dogs were owner surrnders, but we suspect it was because they knew something and didn't wnat to bother goig through the expense etc. |
| My dachshund, Sable, was just diagnosed with cushings disease. She is 12 years old. I first noticed symptoms of heavy panting with frequent water intake and urination. I have not noticed any hair loss on her so I don't know if she is at an early stage of the disease or not or if it is because her hair is naturally short. I also noticed that she was eating more frequently and had a "potbelly" appearance. I thought she was just gaining weight due to inactivity and the weight gain was causing her belly to sag and to become more thirsty. The panting at night and the late night trips outside became bothersome for me so I took her for an examination. If you see any symptoms of frequent water intake, panting, frequent urination, or a change in eating pattern, take your dog in for a check up. I don't know what the going rate is, but I will warn you that the blood test is pretty costly. For me, the test was worth. Sable will be on meds for the rest of her life. |
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