The endocrine system is one of the biggest mysteries of our body. Almost all biochemical processes occurring in the body are tied to the endocrine glands, and the slightest change in the level of hormones leads to often irreversible consequences. If we talk about the field of veterinary medicine, then most often there is such a violation as Cushing's syndrome. In dogs, this disorder most often occurs in old age, and today we will analyze in detail what it is and how to deal with it. This article is exclusively informational, in any case, to make a diagnosis and choose a treatment regimen, you need to see a doctor.
What is Cushing's Syndrome in Dogs
This is a pathology that is not at all as rare as one would like. The violation is that the pituitary gland of the animal begins to secrete excessively high amounts of cortisol. This is a very important hormone, which is a powerful natural remedy for resisting stress. We will not dwell on the mechanism of the effect of this hormone on the body, we will only say that this substance mobilizes all reserves to withstand the negative effects of the external environment.
It seems to be a solid benefit, why are we, describing this mechanism, talking about Cushing's syndrome in dogs? The fact is that those amounts of the hormone that begin to be released into the blood are excessive even for an elephant. And the pituitary gland, which should control the amount of hormone produced, generally turns off from this process. Because of this, your pet is faced with extremely unpleasant consequences.
Negative consequences
Cushing's syndrome in dogs leads to changes in the behavior of the animal. Mental disorders are clearly manifested. The dog is tormented by constant, exhausting thirst. This creates a high burden on the kidneys, and in addition, leads to excessive urination. This disorder may well lead to death, and quite quickly. The reason for this is easily explained in terms of physiology. The body is in a mobilized state, which means it wears out several times faster. There are examples in veterinary practice when the state of the body of a three-year-old dog sick with this disease is identical in terms of wear to the body of a dog 13-15 years old.
Main symptoms
Now let's talk about how you can suspect Cushing's syndrome in dogs. First of all, the owners pay attention to increased appetite. The animal begins to gain weight very quickly. In parallel, you may notice intense thirst and very frequent urination. The animal can not endure for a long time and, despite the increased number of walks, still pees at home.
In fact, this disease does not arise out of nowhere, but gradually develops, and the symptoms intensify. The dog becomes weak and lethargic, drowsy, but shows excellent appetite. The abdomen is sagging due to weakness of the abdominal muscles. Fatigue is very fast. Gradually added baldness. Vast areas of skin remain completely hairless. Most often these are areas on the body, but not on the head or legs. Itching is absent. If untreated, diabetes develops very soon against the background of this disease.
Causes of the disease
In fact, veterinarians have several versions regarding why dogs suffer from this hormonal disorder. However, the main cause is a tumor that affects the adrenal glands. Most often, doctors try to correct this condition with surgery or drugs, which also have their side effects. However, this is not the only reason that can cause Cushing's syndrome in dogs. The photo shows us the external changes that occur with sick animals, but below we will return to the symptoms.
Another reason can be pituitary adenoma. Therefore, it will be necessary to examine both the pituitary gland and the adrenal glands. However, having discovered a tumor, the doctor is just starting his work. It is also necessary to determine whether we are dealing with a benign or malignant lesion, and only then predict the course of treatment.
Predisposition
There are certain breeds, among the representatives of which this disease is more common than in others. So, at risk are boxers and terriers of all kinds. This also includes dachshunds, beagles, poodles and basset hounds. Most often, this disease affects adults who are 7-10 years old. At this age, doctors can only maintain the state of the body as much as possible. However, Cushing's syndrome is also diagnosed at a fairly young age - in dogs under two years of age. The disease is very dangerous in that it affects all organs and systems at once, and therefore, without proper treatment, the likelihood of death of the animal, as well as a serious reduction in life expectancy with adequate treatment, is high.
Survey
It is extremely important to reliably confirm Cushing's syndrome in dogs. Diagnosis of this disease is very complicated, not all clinics are able to provide the necessary conditions for this. First of all, the doctor should examine the animal and take the necessary tests. A clinical and biochemical blood test, as well as a urinalysis, in which it is important to check the protein level, will be indicative.
To clarify the picture, the doctor may prescribe an x-ray, which will show an increase in the liver or mineralization of the adrenal glands. An ultrasound scan is necessary to rule out an adrenal gland tumor. Correct diagnosis should not only confirm Cushing's syndrome in dogs. Symptoms that will be treated in the next step can be blurred, which means it’s extremely important to find the source of the problem.
Treatment
This is a difficult and crucial moment. At this point, the doctor should choose the most appropriate therapy. Restoring the level of cortisol, supporting the work of all organs and systems - this is the main task that has been facing him since he diagnosed Cushing's syndrome. In dogs, treatment can take place in two ways.
The first way is surgical. It is not shown to all animals, but only to those who have an adrenal gland tumor. In the case of the pituitary adenoma, it is still more difficult, and the adrenal glands simply remove and prescribe lifelong hormone treatment to the animal.
The second way is medication. In this case, hormone therapy is used to normalize cortisol levels. This is the drug Mitotan. Reception begins with a dosage of 50 mg per day per 1 kg of weight. The daily dose is divided into 2-3 doses. The treatment lasts two weeks. The condition of the animal is monitored by a blood test. With a decrease in cortisol in the blood to acceptable values, you need to switch to a dosage of 50 mg / kg once a week.
The second option, which is often prescribed by doctors, is the drug "Ketoconazole". First of all, it is prescribed to those animals who also develop fungal skin damage against the background of Cushing's syndrome. Take this drug in the first week - 10 mg per 1 kg of body weight (in two doses). The second week, increase the dosage to 20 mg per 1 kg of body weight (also in two doses). Finally, the third week of treatment involves a daily dosage of 30 mg per 1 kg of weight.
How to determine the effectiveness of treatment
The primary targets will be blood tests, ultrasound and x-rays. However, there are indicators that the owner himself can evaluate. This is primarily a decrease in the amount of water consumed by the dog. However, it should be borne in mind that, against the background of ongoing therapy, the animal may develop complications. This is vomiting and increased weakness, lethargy and refusal to eat. Such symptoms may indicate concomitant disorders and diseases. Therefore, for the purity of the picture, laboratory studies are necessary.
Treatment results
What can you hope for if you are diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome in dogs? How long do such patients live ? These questions are often asked by the owners of veterinarians. I must say that the described disease is only partially treatable. Most often, life expectancy even after successful therapy does not exceed 2-3 years. This is due to the fact that Cushing's syndrome is a systemic disease that affects all organs and systems and causes a number of irreversible changes. This is the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and nervous systems. In parallel, such a disease reduces the body's resistance to various infections, and also provokes a significant increase in blood pressure.