cushings disease in dogs
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is the cortisol hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are located in the abdomen near the kidneys. Cushing's disease occurs commonly in dogs, but is rare in cats. Most dogs with Cushing's disease are about 6 years or more,cushings disease in dogs but sometimes Cushing's disease occurs in young dogs. Cortisol affects the function of many organs of the body, so that the signs of Cushing's disease can be changed. Some of the most common symptoms of Cushing's disease include hair loss, pot-bellied appearance, increased appetite and increased consumption and urine is called polyuria and polydipsia (PU / PD). Hair loss caused by Cushing's disease occurs mainly in the body, avoiding the head and legs. The skin is usually not itchy as it is with other skin diseases. If you take a fold of skin in a dog with Cushing's disease, you may notice that the skin is thinner than normal. The animal may have weak blood vessels and may bruise easily cushings disease in dogs.
Less common signs of Cushing's disease are weakness, panting, and walk abnormally (rigid or stand or walk more fists legs). Some dogs with Cushing's disease develop a blood clot in the lungs and have a rapid onset of shortness of breath.
Dogs prednisone or similar medicines are given similar signs may develop Cushing's disease (called iatrogenic Cushing) cushings disease in dogs.
There are two types of Cushing's disease who are treated differently. The most common form of Cushing's disease is caused by overproduction of the hormone by the pituitary gland in the brain which in turn controls the amount of cortisol produced by the adrenal glands. This is called-pituitary-dependent Cushing. A small percentage of dogs with Cushing's disease have a tumor of the adrenal glands according to called adrenal-dependent Cushing cushings disease in dogs.
There is no test to diagnose Cushing's disease. The history, physical examination and the results of blood tests and initial urine often provide strong suspicion of the presence of Cushing's disease. Laboratory tests which are usually modified by Cushing's disease counting blood cells, increased enzyme PAL liver (also known as SAP or serum alkaline phosphatase) cushings disease in dogs , increased blood sugar increase ( although not as high as the blood sugar levels of diabetics) patients, increased cholesterol and to dilute the urine. They see what these laboratory tests? For more information on laboratory tests.
The large amount of cortisol in the body suppresses the immune system of animals and allows Cushing's disease for bacterial infections cushings disease in dogs. The most common site of infection is the bladder. Animals with Cushing's disease may have a bladder infection silent meaning that no signs of infection, such as trouble urinating. A urine culture may be needed to diagnose the infection.
X-rays of the abdomen often have great liver cushings disease in dogs. Sometimes the calcium radiograph shows the region of the adrenal glands, which is suggestive of adrenal tumor. Ultrasonography of the abdomen may show enlargement of both adrenal glands in animals dependent enlargement of the pituitary or adrenal glands of animals with adrenal tumor Cushing. The adrenal glands are not always seen during an ultrasound in pets with Cushing. In some animals with a tumor of the adrenal gland, the tumor can be seen growing in large blood vessels near the adrenal gland or tumor spread can be seen in the liver.
Cushing's disease specific tests are performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of Cushing's disease is present, adrenal or pituitary dependent dependent cushings disease in dogs. Specific tests for Cushing's disease have varied results. In some cases, the results are clear and the diagnosis is made, but in other cases, the results are unclear and a series of tests to perform. Some of the specific tests for Cushing's disease include urinary cortisol / creatinine test suppression of low-dose dexamethasone suppression test high dose dexamethasone and ACTH stimulation test cushings disease in dogs.
The treatment of the most common form of Cushing's disease (pituitary-dependent) is an oral medication for life. The most commonly used to treat Cushing's disease drugs are o, p'-DDD (mitotane or also called Lysodren) and Trilostane. Sometimes, ketoconazole, or L-deprenyl are used to treat Cushing's disease, but are less effective than Trilostane or mitotane. o, p'-DDD initially given daily or twice daily for a week (sometimes more, sometimes less). Initial treatment is called induction. o, p'-DDD can have serious side effects, whereas animals treated for Cushing's disease should be closely monitored. After induction o, p'-DDD occurs less frequently, usually once or twice a week in the animal's life. Some animals have a recurrence of signs of Cushing's disease later in life cushings disease in dogs, even if they receive o, p'-DDD. Trilostane tends to have fewer side effects than the o, p'-DDD, cushings disease in dogs but is more expensive. Talk to your veterinarian is the best treatment for your pet.
Treatment of adrenal Cushing's disease depends on the surgical removal of the adrenal gland cancer. Adrenal tumors can spread to other parts of the body, in which case all the cancer can not be removed by surgery. Medical treatment may be given before surgery to reduce hormone levels before surgery. o, p'-DDD is not as effective in reducing the signs of the disease in Cushing dependent as it is dependent animals with pituitary disease adrenal Cushing animals. Trilostane can be effective in controlling the signs Cushing in some dogs with adrenal tumors cushings disease in dogs.
The outcome of treatment of pituitary-dependent disease Cushing is generally good. Some signs disappear quickly, others slowly. Appetite and water consumption return to normal in a few weeks, while the full return of the skin can take several months cushings disease in dogs.
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Last modified: December 16 2014 15:59
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