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The Symptoms of
Cushing's Disease in Dogs

Cushing's Disease in Dogs

The complex body system of mammals involves a series of preset and complicated actions, reactions and reciprocal actions. These processes are carried out between the system and various other organs in the body.

Overall health can be maintained only by ensuring a fine balance between the enzymes, hormones and various other chemical compounds that are responsible for metabolic activity. Though the mammalian body has been designed to maintain this fine balance, some external or internal factor can disturb the balance causing ailments, diseases and specific conditions. These factors include trauma, disease, age, diet or a change in the internal chemical environment.

Cushing’s disease in dogs is one of such disorder that results in the over production of corticosteroids. It can be caused by an ACTH producing tumor in the pituitary gland or a corticosteroid-producing tumor in the adrenalin glands. In some cases, Cushing’s disease can also be caused by an over-dosage of external synthetic corticosteroids.

Hyperadrenocorticism in a dog can lead to an overall decadence in overall health. It also affects the immune system significantly causing making it easy for various other infections to affect the dog.

Knowing the symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs helps in identifying the problem at an early stage. This helps in making the overall treatment a much easier process than otherwise. The following are some of the signs to watch out for.

Potbelly
Cortisones weaken abdominal muscles. And therefore the muscles loose the ability to old the stomach in tight. The obesity caused by a large hanging stomach is augmented by an enlarged liver. As the muscle mass reduces, the limbs weaken. And towards the later stages of the disease, the legs become too weak to support the weight of the obese body.

Skin and hair problems
Excessive levels of corticosteroids affect overall skin health. The skin becomes thinner and is more prone to frequent abrasions, recurrent infections and the like. The thinning of the skin also causes significant and noticeable hair loss.

Increased appetite, drinking and urination
There is a marked increase in appetite. The frequency of thirst and urination can frustrate extremely patient dog owners. Excessive urination makes dogs vulnerable to urinary tact infections. And these can lead to further complications for the dog.

Energy loss
Cushing’s disease drains energy. Lethargy sets in and exercise becomes impossible. The lack of exercise also causes many behavioral problems like irritability, biting and snapping.

Cushing’s disease is a serious condition for your pet. It has the potential to cause further ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions and diseases of the nervous system. Opt for a full fledged treatment even if the laboratory tests only provide an indication of the Cushing’s disease.