Canine cushings disease, most likely will occur in animals that are older. Some of the dog symptoms of this are just like they appear when your beloved friend hits older age. They will gain weight, will not be able to control their bladder as well, and hair loss will be noticeable.

What is canine cushings disease?

This disease has to do with the pituitary gland that is located at the base of the dog’s brain. This gland produces adrenocorticotrophic hormone. This hormone will stimulate the adrenaline glands which basically release hormones like Cortisol into the blood stream. This is important for bodily functions like:

• Kidney function
• Blood sugar levels
• Cardiovascular system
• Skeletal muscles
• Fat metabolism
• Immune response
• Nervous system

When the adrenocorticotrophic hormone and cortisol levels are normal this will spell out a healthy dog. When they are not healthy you will start to notice canine cushings symptoms in your pet. Your pet will start to exhibit symptoms when the hormone levels are not in balance anymore, which could be from pituitary (most common) or adrenal gland tumor, and even interference from the Vet. What will happen is that the cortisol hormone will start to over produce and the dog will be unable to regulate it themselves, causing the symptoms listed above.

What Causes this Disease?

Veterinarians believe that most Cushing patients are 10 years of age or older. This does not discriminate it will hit both the male and the female gender. The animals that have been spayed/neutered will have an increased chance of getting this. This definitely does not mean that you shouldn’t spay or neuter your pet-the benefits of that far out weight the chance of getting cushings disease in canine dogs. Smaller dogs have a far greater risk of getting this disease; this would include breeds like terriers and other small dogs.

Cushings Disease Dogs Symptoms:

Symptoms can start out moderate and then grow over time depending upon how fast this disease takes effect and if treatment has been sought right away. Some of the different symptoms to look out for are:

• Weight gain
• Excessive heat-panting a lot to cool off
• Over eating or not at all
• Urinating in areas they are not supposed to
• Dog hair loss
• Skin color is changing
• Bruised skin
• Lumps in the skin
• Seizures
• Stealing or hoarding and guarding food

Treatment:

The treatment with depend on the stage of the Canine cushings disease that your dog is in. Plus this will also depend on what kind of cushings your pet has. Since this will occur in mostly older dogs the treatment might be a little bit harder since most likely your best friend has other health concerns with their old age. Surgery can be used to remove most tumors. Other forms of treatment are; radiation and chemotherapy. It is important to do what will be most comfortable for your dog and their current health status.

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