What is Canine Cushing’s Disease?
Canine Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition in dogs that occurs when the body overproduces cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol plays a vital role in regulating the body’s stress response, but excessive production can lead to a range of health problems.
Types of Cushing’s Disease
There are two types of Cushing’s disease in dogs:
Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease and Adrenal-dependent Cushing’s disease.
Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease is the most common form and occurs when a tumor in the pituitary gland causes the overproduction of a hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
Adrenal-dependent Cushing’s disease occurs when a tumor in one or both adrenal glands causes the overproduction of cortisol directly.
What Are the Symptoms of Cushing’s in Dogs?
Symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs can include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, weight gain, hair loss, skin infections, and muscle weakness. These symptoms can develop gradually and may be mistaken for normal aging or other conditions.
Diagnosis of Cushing’s disease typically involves blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan. Treatment options may include medication to control cortisol production, surgery to remove adrenal tumors, or radiation therapy to shrink pituitary tumors.
More Susceptible Dog Breeds
While it’s true that any dog can develop Cushing’s disease, some breeds are more susceptible than others.
Here are 13 dog breeds that have a higher risk of developing the disorder:
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Poodle
Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodles are all at higher risk for Cushing’s disease due to their genetics.
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Dachshund
This breed is at a higher risk of developing Cushing’s disease, especially Miniature Dachshunds.
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Boxer
Boxers are prone to a variety of health conditions, including Cushing’s disease.
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Boston Terrier
This breed has a higher risk of developing Cushing’s disease, especially as they age.
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Beagle
Beagles are prone to a variety of health conditions, including Cushing’s disease.
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German Shepherd
This breed is at higher risk for developing Cushing’s disease than some other breeds.
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Labrador Retriever
Labs are prone to a variety of health conditions, including Cushing’s disease.
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Scottish Terrier
This breed has a higher risk of developing Cushing’s disease, especially as they age.
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Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are prone to several health conditions, including Cushing’s disease.
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Shih Tzu
This breed is at higher risk of developing Cushing’s disease, especially as they age.
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Jack Russell Terrier
This breed has a higher risk of developing Cushing’s disease than some other breeds.
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Bichon Frise
Bichons are prone to several health conditions, including Cushing’s disease.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This breed has a higher risk of developing Cushing’s disease, especially as they age.
Treating Dog Cushing’s Disease
The treatment of Cushing’s disease in dogs depends on the underlying cause of the condition as well as the type be it pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease or adrenal-dependent. Your vet will have more specific recommendations for treatment that include traditional medicine while other options may take a holistic approach.
Medications
Medications such as trilostane and mitotane can be used to manage the symptoms of Cushing’s disease by reducing the production of cortisol. These medications are typically administered orally and require ongoing monitoring and dosage adjustments.
Surgery
If the cause of Cushing’s disease is a tumor in the adrenal gland, surgical removal of the affected gland may be recommended. This is typically only recommended in cases of adrenal-dependent Cushing’s disease.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may be used to shrink pituitary tumors that are causing Cushing’s disease symptoms.
Dietary changes
In some cases, dietary changes may be recommended to manage Cushing’s disease symptoms. This may include a low-fat, low-carbohydrate diet for a dog with Cushing’s to help manage weight gain and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
Natural Treatments
Several natural treatments may help manage the symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs including some herbal supplements, acupuncture, natural pain management supplements, exercise, and stress reduction.
It’s still important to consult with a veterinarian before using any natural treatments as some may interact with medications or worsen underlying conditions.
Here are some potential natural treatments for dogs with Cushing’s disease:
Some herbal supplements such as milk thistle, dandelion root, and licorice root may help support liver function and hormone balance in dogs with Cushing’s disease.
Acupuncture may help manage symptoms of Cushing’s disease in some dogs, such as reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation.
Regular exercise can help manage weight gain and improve overall health in dogs with Cushing’s disease.
Stress can exacerbate symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs. Strategies such as massage, relaxation techniques, and minimizing changes to routine can help reduce stress levels.
Treating Cushing’s disease in dogs can be complex and may require ongoing monitoring and adjustments.
Conclusion
It is important to work closely with a veterinarian to manage Cushing’s disease in dogs, as untreated or poorly managed Cushing’s disease can lead to serious complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and infections.
