Cushing's syndrome is a disease in which the body of a dog is in a state of constant stress. In a healthy animal, in case of adverse situations, the adrenal glands, on the command of the pituitary gland, secrete a steroid hormone cortisol. This hormone mobilizes the animal's body, helping to survive unfavorable effects without losses. And in dogs suffering from Cushing's disease, the adrenal glands uncontrollably release an excessive amount of cortisol.
Cushing's Syndrome - Causes
Cushing's syndrome is the most common endocrine disease of dogs. In most cases, they suffer from animals of older and middle age. Cushing's disease is a dog of all breeds, but the greatest predisposition is manifested in small poodles , terriers, dachshunds and boxers . And the causes of the disease are:
- a tumor of one or both of the adrenals, which stimulates uncontrolled secretion of the hormone;
- adenoma of the pituitary gland, nudging organ to release adrenocorticotropic hormone.
It is very simple to suspect your pet of a disease. Cushing's syndrome in dogs has pronounced symptoms:
- excessive thirst and frequent urination are the most common signs of the disease;
- unhealthy appearance of the coat and the appearance of large symmetrical bald spots on the trunk, tail and neck;
- Termination of estrus in bitches;
- the mobility of the dog is significantly reduced;
- the composition of the animal changes greatly: due to muscle atrophy, the abdomen becomes very large in size, the amount of subcutaneous fat is sharply reduced.
As a result, the dog looks very thin with an unnaturally large belly and with large bald spots.
Treatment of Cushing's syndrome in dogs
Referring to the veterinary service with such symptoms immediately should alert the specialist and cause suspicions about the presence of Cushing's disease. But before starting treatment, the doctor must make an accurate diagnosis and determine the affected organ. In case of detection of a tumor on the adrenal glands, they are removed and prescribe lifelong hormone therapy.
The situation with adenoma of the pituitary gland is much more complicated. With this form of the disease, the animal is prescribed drugs that inhibit the production of cortisone. But effective medicines are produced only in the USA, Canada or Germany, and their cost is very high. And inexpensive domestic means are ineffective and their effect is poorly understood.