Dog Health Issue - Cushing’s Disease or Hyperadrenocorticism
Cushing’s disease is probably more accurately referred to as hyperadrenocorticism—the production of too much adrenal hormone, in particular corticosteroids. It can be naturally occurring or due to over administration of corticosteroids such as prednisone (iatrogenic Cushing’s). The latter is easy to cure – just cut out the corticosteroid administration slowly to allow the body to [...]
Cushing’s disease is probably more accurately referred to as hyperadrenocorticism—the production of too much adrenal hormone, in particular corticosteroids. It can be naturally occurring or due to over administration of corticosteroids such as prednisone (iatrogenic Cushing’s). The latter is easy to cure – just cut out the corticosteroid administration slowly to allow the body to return to normal function. The former is more difficult.
Hyperadrenocorticism occurs for two reasons—- a tumor of the adrenal gland that produces adrenal hormones or stimulation of the normal adrenal glands from the hormones that control it. The primary reason for this to occur is a pituitary gland tumor that produces excessive ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal gland to produce corticosteroids. Adrenal gland tumors account for 15% of the cases of spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism. Pituitary tumors account for 85%.
Cushing’s disease causes increased drinking, increased urination, increased appetite, panting, high blood pressure, hair loss – usually evenly distributed on both sides of the body, pendulous
abdomen, thinning of the skin, calcified lumps in the skin, susceptibility to skin infections and diabetes, weakening of the heart and skeletal muscles, nervous system disease and other symptoms. Most owners reach a point where the water consumption and urination become bothersome to them.
The diagnosis of Cushing’s can be done with several blood tests. A general hint of Cushing’s can be obtained by a blood panel. To confirm it, a test known as a low dose dexamethasone test is done. A baseline blood sample is drawn in the morning, an injection of dexamethasone given and a follow-up blood test done 8 hours later. In a normal dog, the dexamethasone should suppress cortisol levels in the blood stream. In Cushing’s disease this effect does not occur. Once the disease is diagnosed, it is possible to differentiate between the adrenal tumors and pituitary gland tumors using a second test, a high dose dexamethasone suppression test. Most dogs with pituitary tumors will have cortisol suppression on this test. There are other tests used, including ACTH response tests and urine cortisol/creatinine ratios to diagnose this disease. X-rays and ultrasonography can help determine if an adrenal gland tumor is present.
If it can be determined that there is an adrenal gland tumor, it can be removed. Many veterinarians prefer to have a specialist attempt this since the surgical risks can be high. Pituitary gland tumors are not usually removed in veterinary medicine. This situation is treated using Lysodren (o’p’-DDD, which is a relative of DDT) or ketaconazole. Some research with Deprenyl for treatment of this is being done, too, I think. Lysodren selectively kills the outer layer of the adrenal gland that produces corticosteroids. By administering it in proper amounts it is possible to kill just enough of the gland off to keep the production of corticosteroids to normal levels. Obviously, close regulation of this using blood testing is necessary since overdoing it can cause severe problems with Addison’s disease – hypoadrenocorticism. Adverse reactions to Lysodren occur at times but it is the standard treatment at this time. Over medication with Lysodren can cause inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and weakness. If any of these signs occur then your veterinarian should be immediately notified.
Treatment of Cushing’s disease caused by pituitary tumors is symptomatic therapy—it does not cure the pituitary tumor. The average lifespan of dogs diagnosed with Cushing’s, with or without treatment is estimated at 2 years by Dr. Mark Peterson, but in a recent conversation with another endocrinologist I came away with the impression that this was an “educated guess” rather than the result of extensive survey of Cushing’s patients. At present, though, I think that treatment should be viewed as a means of providing a better quality lifestyle rather than as a method of extending longevity.
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The Bouvier des Flandres was developed in Belgium in the 19th century. This working breed was used for herding, herd-guarding, and cart pulling. Continue Reading Dog Health Care Here…
Dog barking problems are common but should be looked at on a case by case basis. As an owner, having this problem with your pooch is stressful for both you and your dog. Dog language is never understandable to humans, especially if your interpretation goes on like a guessing game between you and your pooch. Relying on spur of [...]
Dog barking problems are common but should be looked at on a case by
case basis. As an owner, having this problem with your pooch is stressful
for both you and your dog. Dog language is never understandable to
humans, especially if your interpretation goes on like a guessing game
between you and your pooch. Relying on spur of the moment reasoning
usually gets pet owners exhausted and dead tired. When your safety is not in
question and there are no cats in the vicinity, it is nerve wrecking
not knowing what’s causing the noise your dog makes. Not to worry, every
cloud has its silver lining, you’d just have to stop and arm yourself
with know-how and proper ways of dealing with your dog’s quirks.
Have you ever wondered what classification your dog’s breed falls
under? Excessive barking can mean lots of things; consideration to its breed
helps you understand your dog. Terriers and several toy dogs are alarm
dogs, meaning they have the tendency to bark a fit. Sadly, pet owners
who take matters in their hands do not consider the genes of their pet.
It is rather unfair to brand a dog as a bad dog if it barks according
breed. There was a case where in a hybrid Chihuahua/ Mini Pinscher was
reprimanded by an ignorant visitor who thought just because she handles
a docile Great Dane, she can handle the mini-dog. The size of your dog
is negligible; attention to the breed’s temperament is what matters.
Chihuahua/Mini Pinscher s are protectors and very possessive of their
owners, while Great Danes are docile, peace loving and protect in danger
only. Lap Dogs, some Terriers, Sporting and Hunting dogs are bred to
bark lots. These dogs were bred to be bark alarms when they spot game.
Even if you don’t hunt, your dog has a built-in tendency to do just that.
Dogs that are highly strung as these breeds may undergo training to
improve their social skills and bark control.
Miscommunication is a given, observation is the key to better
understand your pooch. There are instances that your dog been barking loudly and
scratches the door as if hinting that it needs to go out and when
ignored takes a pee in any available spot. The need was being conveyed but
the action was not supported. A barking fit can mean it needs to go
out, hungry, thirsty, feeling hot or is cold. By barking, your dog is
asking if you can help it get what it needs. Observing your pets schedule
and anticipate its needs lessens it tendency to bark a fit because its
needs are met.
There are some dog needs that are not tangible. A dog is highly
sociable and loves living with interaction. Some dogs are easily content and
would readily lounge around or meekly be a child’s plaything. For highly
intelligent dogs like the Vizsla, Tervueren and most of the working
dogs easily get bored and need stimulation. Boredom and depression in
these breeds usually result to their being disruptive or dwell in
obsessive actions (like excessive tail-chasing or poop eating).Once again,
taking your dogs breed into consideration is the best weapon for proper
problem solving. For working bred dogs, more activity is prescribed to
make them get out of their sulky mood. Training, such as agility training
is recommended to sate an energetic dog.
A dog who barks in excess is not a lost cause; their barks are a way to
request and let you know that something is not right with them. To
best serve your dogs problems, consider professional veterinarian advice.
Exhausting all measures before considering extreme measures (-that may
just cause more problems) will prove beneficial for both you and your
pooch.
Sandra Fosth write dog behavior articles for Pet Super Store, a site featuring designer dog beds and elevated dog feeders.
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