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Canine Cushings DiseaseCanine Cushings disease (also known as hyperadrenocorticism) is a condition in which there is excessive hormonal production in the adrenal
glands. This condition usually affects older dogs.
The adrenal glands are two small glands that are located next to each kidney. The adrenal glands produce cortisol, a very important hormone that helps to regulate the
body's metabolism, including, among others, the metabolism of protein, carbohydrate and fat; regulation of body weight; mineral balance; and skin health.
Adrenal glands are stimulated to produce cortisol by a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which itself is produced by the pituitary gland - a small,
pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain.
Cortisol is released into the bloodstream at times of stress to prepare the body for a flight or fight response, and therefore the level of concentration of the hormone
fluctuates depending on the situation. For instance, when a dog is under stress or is ill, the production of cortisol will be increased. Once this period of stress is
over, the cortisol concentration will be back to normal.
Dogs with canine Cushing's disease have an abnormally high concentration of cortisol in the blood for an extended period of time (over weeks and months). The excessive
amount of cortisol in the blood has an adverse effect on the dog's metabolism as well as on the function of many system organs.
Cushing's disease usually occurs in older dogs. Small breed dogs are more likely to develop the disease.
Causes of Canine Cushings Disease
A majority of the cases of canine Cushing's disease (about 85%) are the result of a benign tumor in the pituitary gland. The tumor cells produce excessive amounts of
ACTH, which in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to produce excessive amounts of cortisol.
The remaining 15% of the cases of canine Cushings disease are caused by either a tumor in one (or very rarely both) of the adrenal glands, resulting in overproduction of
cortisol, or excessive use of corticosteroid drugs.
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Symptoms of Canine Cushings DiseaseCommon symptoms of Cushings disease in dogs are as follows:
Treatment for Canine Cushings Disease
Adrenal tumor-induced Cushings disease can be treated by surgically removing the tumor.
Drug therapies are available for Cushings disease caused by pituitary tumors. However, it cannot be cured since surgically removing pituitary tumors is simply too risky
in view of the close proximity of the pituitary to the brain.
Drugs that are commonly used to manage Cushings disease in dogs include Lysodren or Ketaconazole.
Lysodren kills the outer layer (cortex) of the adrenal gland. Careful monitoring is necessary to determine how much of the cortex is killed so that a healthy amount of
cortisol can still be produced.
Ketoconazole suppresses cortisol secretion in the adrenal glands. It requires daily dosing (at the beginning stage of the treatment), monitoring, and of course careful
observation by the pet owner.
These drugs can also cause side-effects, such as:
A new drug called Anipryl was approved for use in treating canine Cushing's disease about 10 years ago. Although results of treatment are encouraging, it is still a
relatively new drug, and will still need to prove the test of time. There are also possible side-effects, which include (but aren't limited to): vomiting, diarrhea,
hyperactivity, anorexia,
seizure, and lethargy.
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Natural Remedies for Cushings DiseaseHerbs cannot cure Cushings disease, but they can still be used to support the organs and systems that are put under extra stress due to the disease. For example, dandelion, burdock , and nettle are effective in strengthening an overtaxed liver, kidneys, and digestive system. The rich vitamins and minerals (especially potassium and magnesium) in these herbs can also replace those that are lost as a result of increased urination. Immune-boosting tonic herbs such as astragalus or Siberian ginseng are also beneficial to strengthen the immune system.
Related Topic Addison's Disease in Dogs References D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999). R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000). M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999). J.T. Crosby, Veterinary Medicine Guide, Vetmedicine.about.com TOP OF Canine Cushings Disease |
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