Cushing's Disease in Dogs & How It's Treated (2024)

Cushing's Disease in Dogs & How It's Treated (1)

Cushing's disease in dogs can lead to a number of serious symptoms and complications that could shorten your pup's lifespan. Here our Huntersville vets share more about the causes of Cushing's disease in dogs, as well as possible complications and available treatments.

What causes Cushing's Disease in Dogs?

Cortisol is a natural steroid that helps to regulate proper body weight, tissue structure, skin condition, and more. A tumor in your dog's pituitary gland can lead to an excessive concentration of cortisone in your pup's body resulting in pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease. Officially called hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing's disease is a clinical condition that can put your pooch at risk of several serious conditions and illnesses, from kidney damage to diabetes.

Approximately 80-85% of cases of Cushing's disease in dogs is pituitary-dependent, however adrenal-dependent forms of the disease can also strike dogs. Adrenal-dependent Cushing's disease occurs when a tumor on one or both of the adrenal glands leads to an excess of cortisol. This form of the disease accounts for about 15-20% of Cushing's cases in dogs.

What are the symptoms of Cushing's disease in dogs?

In dogs, the most common symptoms of Cushing’s disease include:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Hair loss
  • Muscle weakness
  • Thin skin
  • Recurrent skin infections
  • Increased urination
  • Potbelly / enlarged abdomen
  • Panting
  • Decreased energy
  • Increased appetite

If your dog is suffering from Cushing's disease you may notice one or more of the above symptoms. Many signs of Cushing's disease are vague but it's important to take your pup to see your vet for an examination if you notice that they are displaying any of the common symptoms of Cushing's.

Pets with Cushing’s disease face an increased risk of developing a host of serious conditions including kidney damage, high blood pressure, blood clots, and diabetes if the condition is left untreated.

How is Cushing's disease in dogs diagnosed?

Diagnostic testing is required to diagnose Cushing's disease since there are a number of conditions that share similar symptoms.Anadrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test is a blood test frequently used when diagnosing Cushing's disease in dogs. Other tests that your vet may recommend include urinalysis, urine culture, various adrenal function tests, a full chemistry panel, and a complete blood panel.

Ultrasound imaging can be helpful in ruling out other conditions that could be causing your dog’s symptoms, although MRI is typically a more effective tool in the diagnosis of Cushing's disease. That said the use of MRI can be costly.

OurBoard-Certified Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialists atAtCarolina Veterinary Specialistsin Huntersville are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of internal diseases and conditions. Our in-house lab and diagnostic tools allow us to quickly identify and manage conditions such as Cushing's in pets.

Can dogs with Cushing's disease be treated?

Treating the more common pituitary-dependent form of Cushing's disease typically relies on two main medications; the insecticide DDT (Lysodren® and Mitotane) which works to destroy the cells that produce cortisone, andtrilostane (Modrenal, Vetoryl, and others) which may also help to decrease cortisone production. In some cases, Selegiline hydrochloride (Anipryl®), and ketoconazole (Nizoral®) may be used to treat canine Cushing’s disease,

The first line of defense for treating adrenal-dependant Cushing's in dogs is surgery to remove the tumor. If the surgery is uncomplicated and the tumor hasn't spread and isn't malignant, there is a chance that your pup could return to normal health. That said, treating this form of Cushing's can be complicated. When surgery isn't an option there are a number of medications that may be used to treat your pup'sadrenal-dependant Cushing's including those mentioned above and the chemotherapy drug Lysodren.

Regardless of which medication your vet prescribes for your dog, there is a good chance that your pup will need to remain on it long-term, and require periodic adjustments to the dosage.

The only cure for Cushing's disease in dogs is surgery to remove the tumor from the adrenal gland, provided that it hasn't spread and is easy to reach, which is rare. If surgery is not an option for your dog, with diligent observation and long-term management, the symptoms of your pup's Cushing’s can be minimized.

When medications for Cushing's are administered in just the right dosage, they can prove very effective in treating the condition. Your pup will need to visit the vet regularly for blood tests including an ACTH stimulation test (to test cortisol levels) as well as tests to check the levels of medication in your dog's blood. Too much or too little of these medications can lead to complications.

With regular blood test monitoring adverse reactions are rare, but when they do occur they can include:

  • Depression, lethargy or weakness
  • Stomach upset and GI symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting
  • Picky eating or decreased appetite

If you notice that your dog has any of these symptoms, discontinue the medication and call your veterinarian right away.

While medication costs and the need for frequent blood monitoring can make Cushing’s disease expensive to manage, diligent follow-up care and monitoring for adrenal function can lead to a good prognosis. Pets who do not receive adequate monitoring and follow-up often experience relapses, severe symptoms of the illness, or death as a result of complications.

Is Cushing's disease fatal in dogs?

According to the American Kennel Club the average survival time for a dog with Cushing's is about two years, with only 10 percent living beyond the four-year mark. That said, it's important to remember that most cases of Cushing's disease are diagnosed in elderly dogs. Meaning that the cause of death may not be related to Cushing's disease.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Has your pet been diagnosed with Cushing's disease, or showing signs of the condition? Speak to your vet about a referral to our Veterinary Internal Medicine team atCarolina Veterinary Specialists in Huntersville. Contact us to learn more.

Cushing's Disease in Dogs & How It's Treated (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth treating a dog with Cushings? ›

In general, a dog with untreated Cushing's can actually live as long as a treated dog, but will likely have more side effects (over time) from the disease if not treated.

How long can a dog live with Cushings treated? ›

According to the American Kennel Club the average survival time for a dog with Cushing's is about two years, with only 10 percent living beyond the four-year mark.

What is the best treatment for Cushing's in dogs? ›

Treatment of Cushing's syndrome

Cushing's can be successfully treated using medication allowing your dog's health to be restored. Vetoryl® is the only licensed treatment for use in dogs. Vetoryl contains the active ingredient trilostane, a drug which reduces the production of the hormone cortisol by the adrenal glands.

What triggers Cushing's disease in dogs? ›

In dog's Cushing's disease is commonly caused by a benign or malignant tumor in the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. In some more rare cases the tumor could be located on the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys.

What is end stage Cushings in dogs? ›

As the disease progresses, dogs lose muscle and become weak. Owners might notice a thinning of the skin, lesions on the skin, and hair loss on the flanks, neck, and perineum. Obesity and lack of energy are also symptoms.

When is it time to euthanize a dog with Cushing's disease? ›

The best time to euthanize a dog with Cushing's disease is when they appear lethargic or less active than usual. It is a hard decision to put a dog down. You are not only breaking your own heart but also the heart of your pet.

How much does it cost to treat Cushing's in dogs? ›

$500 to $1,500 is considered typical for a complete diagnosis (though the low end of this estimate would not include an ultrasound). Medical treatment can be as low as $50 a month or as high as $200, depending on the dog's response to treatment and the drug selected.

Can you reverse Cushing's disease in dogs? ›

The only way to "cure" Cushing's disease is to remove the adrenal tumor if the disease is adrenal-dependent and the tumor hasn't spread, says Stohlman. However, because of the complexity and risks of the surgery, most cases are treated with medication.

What are the first signs of Cushing's disease in dogs? ›

Regardless of the type, the clinical signs of Cushing's disease are essentially the same. The most common clinical signs are an increase in appetite, increase water consumption, and urinating more. The increased appetite is a direct result of elevated levels of cortisol, which stimulate appetite.

How do you comfort a dog with Cushings? ›

Establish playtime and cuddle time downstairs so they feel comfortable and connected, even if you sleep upstairs. Even though Cushing's dogs experience muscle and bone loss, a gentle exercise routine is essential. Easy exercise can help build muscle strength. Start slow and build up to longer walks.

What do you feed a dog with Cushing's disease? ›

Dogs with Cushing's do best on a diet based on a highly digestible protein. Protein helps to prevent muscle wasting, a common side effect of Cushing's disease. Some examples of highly digestible protein sources include egg whites, beef, chicken, lamb, salmon, and organ meats.

How do dogs with Cushings behave? ›

Aggression, increased pursuance of food and water, exercise intolerance, lethargy, and difficulty moving around in their day-to-day environments (navigating stairs, going up onto elevated surfaces, etc.) are some of the behavior changes commonly seen in dogs afflicted by Cushing's disease.

What dog breeds are more prone to Cushings? ›

The overuse of steroids causes some cases of Cushing's. Female dogs are more prone to adrenal tumors than male dogs, and poodles, dachshunds, and Boston terriers are diagnosed with Cushing's more than other dog breeds.

What will happen if I don't treat my dog for Cushings? ›

If Cushing's disease is left untreated, dogs tend to become progressively lethargic and weak. They have an increased susceptibility to contracting infections (particularly urinary infections) and the skin is slow to heal after any injury. Osteoporosis has been reported.

What is the quality of life for a dog with Cushing's disease? ›

Dogs with the disease can have a good quality of life if they're closely monitored by a vet. This means regular check-ups, blood work, and the administration of any required medication.

How do you treat Cushing's disease in dogs at home? ›

A combination of Melatonin and Lignans offer an excellent natural treatment for both Cushing's and Atypical Cushing's disease in dogs. In fact, supplementing with melatonin and lignans helps your dog's system return to normal.

Can dogs live a good life with Cushings disease? ›

Generally, if the activity of the adrenal gland can be controlled, many dogs with this form of Cushing's disease can live normal lives for many years, as long as they take their medication and stay under close medical supervision.

What is the best natural treatment for Cushing's disease in dogs? ›

A combination of Melatonin and Lignans offer an excellent natural treatment for both Cushing's and Atypical Cushing's disease in dogs. In fact, supplementing with melatonin and lignans helps your dog's system return to normal.

Should you treat an older dog with Cushing's disease? ›

Although Cushing's is typically a lifelong condition, the disease usually can be managed with medications. "It's important for a veterinarian to see the dog regularly and do blood tests," Stohlman says.

Are dogs with Cushings suffering? ›

Most dogs with Cushing's are not in any pain and their symptoms can be easily managed through medication. Dogs that have developed the condition due to a tumor on the adrenal gland may require the tumor to be surgically removed as these tumors are aggressive.

What is the best dog food for dogs with Cushing's disease? ›

Commercial diets for dogs with Cushing's disease

Always read dog food labels but also the guide above should help with the ingredients. Prescription diets like Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat, or Hills Prescription Diet Metabolic, to manage Cushing's disease are a great place to start.

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