posted by Tess on Oct 14
Canine hyperadrenocorticism or hypercortisolism, commonly known as Cushing’s syndrome in dogs, produces symptoms like excessive thirst and urination along with abnormal hair loss and a potbellied appearance. Besides the physiological symptoms the dog may also show behavioral changes like lethargy, panting and indifference to towards the owner.
Cushing’s syndrome is an endocrine disease caused by elevated levels of cortisol in the blood due to a variety of causes. The pituitary gland is the controlling organ that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce and release cortisol in the blood. Hyperadrenocorticism can be caused due to tumors in the pituitary or adrenal glands. Pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism is known as Cushing’s disease. Overuse of prednisone, a dehydrogenated analogue of cortisol used as an immunosuppressant may also lead to abnormally high level of cortisol in the body.
Left untreated, Cushing’s increases the risk of infections and can lead to serious diseases like diabetes, liver failure and heart problems. Conventional treatments are known for causing more problems than they resolve. Iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism is a glaring example of side effects caused by overuse of pharmaceutical drugs.
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