Cushing’s Syndrome
Diseases in elderly animals are not uncommon but the older your dog gets the more susceptible it is to disease. Would you be able to tell the difference between your pet getting older and your pet becoming ill?
One of the most commonly diagnosed diseases in older dogs is hyperadrenocorticism. Also known as Cushing’s syndrome, it is quite often mistaken for the ageing process itself, as many of the signs are similar.
Cushing’s is usually seen in dogs that are over six years old and although all breeds are at risk, some breeds are reported to be at greater risk. These include:
Cushing’s is caused by the production of excess hormones from the adrenal glands. These glands are located above the kidneys and produce cortisol which helps regulate things like body weight, mineral balance and skin health. The hormone ACTH, which is produced by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, controls the production and release of cortisol from the adrenal glands.
Cortisol is a necessary part of your dog’s life as it impacts on a wide variety of bodily functions. It is released into the bloodstream during times of stress to help the body prepare for a flight or fight response. For example, if your dog is in pain or anxious there will normally be an increase in the levels of cortisol released into the bloodstream.
Dogs with Cushing’s are actually producing a chronic excess of cortisol, which is a result of a tumour in either the pituitary or adrenal glands. Left untreated, this can have a destructive effect on how your dog’s organs function whilst also having a harmful effect on their metabolism.
The signs of Cushing’s syndrome can be vague and varied and are often mistaken for the ageing process itself. They appear gradually, making it hard in some cases for you to be able to see any noticeable changes in your dog.
Many of the clinical signs are also not unique to Cushing’s and could reflect a host of other health concerns. Given that Cushing’s without treatment can increase the risk of developing serious conditions such as blood clots in the lungs, kidney infection or even diabetes mellitus (a deficiency of insulin resulting in high blood sugar), you would expect your dog to show extreme signs. In fact the signs are not severe at all.
The most common include:
It is often the increased drinking and urination that prompt an owner to take their dog to the vet. Other signs such as panting and lethargy, or just ‘slowing down’ are often mistaken for old age. Routine blood tests may also lead a vet to suspect Cushing’s.
As cortisol levels found in normal dogs change during the day, a vet cannot confirm Cushing’s by just measuring cortisol. The two tests that are usually used to diagnose Cushing’s are called the ACTH stimulation test and the low-dose dexamethasone test. In both cases, the dog will need to be left with your vet for a few hours or possibly for the day. The vet may also perform a test to identify whether a pituitary or adrenal tumour is causing the disease.
There is a highly successful treatment for both types of Cushing’s. It contains a drug called trilostane that blocks the production of cortisol and suppresses the clinical effects of excess cortisol. A dog with Cushing’s will have to take one or two capsules a day depending on its size and its response to treatment. These capsules will need to be given to the dog for the rest of its life.
In the early stages of therapy careful monitoring is required to assess the response to treatment. This may require regular blood tests. The clinical signs of Cushing’s such as increased hunger, drinking and urinating improve quickly, within the first two weeks of treatment, but skin changes and improvements in hair loss take a little longer (generally 3 to 6 months).
Left untreated, Cushing’s syndrome can cause extreme problems for your pet. If you recognise any of the signs of Cushing’s in your dog, make an appointment to see your vet.
******************************************************************************
For further information contact any of the following:
Bedlington Terrier Health Group Chairman: Mr D Taylor. Tel: 01909 515815 Email: taylor.david@virgin.net
National Bedlington Terrier Club Secretary: Mrs A M Emsley. Tel: 01274 788773 Email: secretary@bedlingtons.org.uk
Bedlington Terrier Association Secretary: Mrs J Hurley Tel: 01980 882600 Email: Jacqui@fralex.co.uk
Midland Bedlington Terrier Club Secretary: Mrs D Owen. Tel: 0115 9816018 Email: bisbee@btinterent.com