Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease)

Cushing’s disease is caused by over overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. There are two types of Cushing’s disease:

• Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease - the first and most common type of Cushing’s disease is caused by the pituitary gland overproducing hormones, which leads to the overproduction of cortisol in the adrenal glands.
  

• Adrenal-dependent Cushing’s disease – the second, significantly less common, type of Cushing’s disease is caused by a tumour developing in one of the adrenal glands.
  

Common symptoms of Cushing’s disease:

• Polydipsia
• Polyuria
• Incontinence
• Pot belly
• Hair loss
• Lethargy
• Panting
• Weakness
• Stiff movements, with paws bent over (occasionally)

Cushing’s disease is more prevalent with higher ages, usually occurring in dogs of over six years of age, so particular attention should be paid when health checking elderly dogs. However, it does still affect younger does occasionally, so it is important to be able to recognise changes in your dog’s health.

This disease suppresses the immune system, making infected dogs susceptible to secondary infections and other diseases, so particular care should be taken to keep the dog clean, warm and well-fed. Infected dogs often get bladder infections, which can be hard to spot.

Physical tests are carried out first. If Cushing’s disease is suspected, blood and urine tests are carried out to look for further signs, such as a white blood cell increase, an increase in blood sugar levels, an increase in certain liver enzymes and increased cholesterol levels.  X-rays may show an enlarged liver, which is common in dogs with Cushing’s disease.

There are various drugs available for the treatment of the most common type of Cushing’s disease, which are given orally throughout the dog’s life. Prognosis is usually very good for this type of the disease, with most symptoms fading after a few weeks.

Treatment of adrenal-dependent Cushing’s disease can be treated by removing the cancerous gland, providing the cancer has not metastasised (spread to other areas of the body through the blood and lymphatic systems).


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