Canine Cushing's Disease Symptoms

Canine Cushing's disease also referred as Hyperadrenalcorticism, is a hormonal disorder in dogs. This disease is noticed more commonly in older dogs. And its symptoms being same as that of aging, many a times dog owners are unable to identify this disease. Before knowing the symptoms of canine Cushing's disease, let us first understand the causes of Cushing's disease in dogs.

Canine Cushing's Disease - Causes
Cushing's disease is a result of excessive production of a hormone called cortisol. This cortisol is produced by adrenal glands. Adrenal glands are one of the important glands of body and are located near the kidneys. Cortisol plays a significant role in dog's body. It regulates metabolism, maintains body weight, skin health, etc. The level of cortisol in the body differs for various situations. Usually, when the dog is in stress or is ill, the cortisol level is high. But once the dog is out of this situation, the cortisol level becomes normal.

Cortisol is produced by adrenal glands when these glands are stimulated by ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone). ACTH is a hormone produced by pituitary gland and if ACTH is produced in excess amount, cortisol will also be produced excessively. Thus, there are two scenarios that can cause Cushing's disease in a dog. Tumors are the most common reasons of dysfunction of adrenal glands or pituitary gland. 85% cases of Cushing's disease in dogs are due to tumors in pituitary gland. In case of adrenal gland, the tumor may be present just on one gland or both. Brief discussion on symptoms of Cushing's disease in dogs is given below.

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Cushing's Disease in Dogs - Symptoms
This disease is usually noticed in dogs that are middle-aged or older dogs. The symptoms are very vague in the initial period but they become severe as the disease progresses. There are plenty of symptoms associated with this disease and all the symptoms may not be observed. These symptoms are often dramatic and usually a combination of these symptoms is observed. Frequent urination and excessive drinking of water are some of the symptoms of initial stage. Given below is a list of some of the commonly observed canine Cushing's disease symptoms.

• Pot bellied appearance
• Excess panting
• Weight Gain
• Thinning of skin
• Hair loss
• Increase in the appetite
• Weakness in muscle
• Lethargy
• Disturbed sleep pattern

It can be observed that symptoms are very similar to that of aging and hence, Cushing's disease goes unnoticed by dog owners. Hair loss is the symptom that makes the dog owners to visit the veterinarian. Pet owners should observe the behavior and appearance of their dog and visit a veterinarian at the earliest if they notice any abnormalities. Read more on dog illness symptoms and diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome in dogs is usually done by blood tests and urine tests. Once this disease in diagnosed, the veterinarian provides required treatment to the dog. The treatment usually depends on the cause of the Cushing's disease. Medications are provided for tumors in pituitary gland, while surgeries are performed if adrenal glands have tumor.

Cushing's disease in dogs can be treated and the dog can live quality years ahead. However, glands cannot be restored to their normal functioning. Canine Cushing's disease if left untreated, can cause serious dog illnesses like liver failure, heart failure, canine diabetes, neurological disorder, infections, etc. Thus, it is necessary for every dog owner to be aware of the canine Cushing's disease symptoms, so that, early treatment can be provided. The disease progresses slowly and its early symptoms are missed out. Dogs of age more than 10 years are susceptible to this disease.