Cushing's Disease

[windski]

Chaos, my 9 yr old rottie has been diagnosed with Cushing's. Will do ultrasound to determine if it is adrenal or pituatary based. Fairly asymptomatic at this point other than constant ravenous appetite. Other than this, she is on thyroid meds, and is a little arthritic in knee where had TPLO and front paws. Am going to have to make a decision regarding adrenal gland surgery if it is a tumor, or whether to use Lysodren if pituatary.
Any thoughts - experiences?

[Novel]

I don't have any experience with Cushings. Could you expand a little on what symptoms your dog has, and how she came about to be diagnosed. I would love to learn whatever I can about this disease that I have heard about but never experienced or seen in real life.

[rottielover]

I am so sorry to hear this. I hope things improve for her chin up

[calgal]

Cushing's disease is a dysfunction of the adrenal glands, much like Addison's Disease. With Addison's , the adrenal glands are not producing enough hormone. With Cushing's the opposite is true, the glands are over-producing corticosteroids. (principally hydrocortisone).
Many of the dogs and cats develop Cushing's because the pituitary gland is pushing the adrenal glands to do so. This accounts for about 85 to 90 % of cases. The situation is further complicated because the pituitary gland is influenced, in turn, by the brain, and it's entirely possible that the whole cascade of problems occurs because of psychological or physical stress, at least as contributing factors. The remaining 10 to 15 percent have tumors in the adrenal glands themselves, which causes the excessive production (the pituitary gland not involved). These tumors are often benign, though not always.
The most common symptoms of this disease are excessive drinking and urinating, enlargement of the abdomen due to weakness of the muscles, profuction of excessive abdominal fat, and enlargement of the liver; loss of body hair (on both sides equally), which comes out very easily. This latter is associated with developing thinness of the skin and a color change to dark brown or black (most often on the undersides).


There are blood tests of various types that can be done, both for testing hormone levels and for testing the functions of the adrenal glands.
Surgery or durngs are the conventional approach, but homeopathy and nutrition is another option that can also be used to solve the problem. You can find a homeopathically trained veterinarian who can set up a treatment schedule to address all the problems your animal has. As you might anticipate, excellent nutrition and reduction of stress are necessary adjuncts.

[Novel]

Is this a disease that can come with advancing age? Or is it equally likely at any age?

[calgal]

Most animals that have cushings are adults and seniors, but it can show up in the young.
A further complication is that Cushing's Disease may occur along with other chronic problems, almost as if it's a further deterioration of health in a pattern of decline. For example, your dog may have had years of skin allergies, arthritis due to hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament breakdown (knee joint deterioration), and now Cushing's Disease pops up. It seems to me that it is a fundamental breakdown in the body's ability to regulate inflammation and repair of tissue's (in which the adrenal glands are intimately involved).

[Novel]

What does a thyroid test reveal? Would early immune problems and thyroid disfunction be additional signs that Cushings could appear later?
And is it more common in some breeds or equally common amongst all?

[calgal]

The throid test would show if indeed it was the thyroid and to see if it's high or low. If ok then move on to testing for Cushings. These tests are ACTH or Dexamethasone.
Cushings is mostly seen in dogs that are mid to older age, but dogs from 6 months to 20 years can develop this disease.
Mostly seen in female dogs, and more often it's in Poodles, Dachshunds, Bostons and Boxers.

[Novel]

Wow, thank you so much calgal for all that info. I learned alot!

[calgal]

I'm glad I was able to help some. Thank you.