posted by Tess on Oct 28
Cushing’s disease is common in middle and old aged dogs. It is an endocrine disease that falls under the category of production disorders. Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, it is a condition of excess cortisol in the blood. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands during periods of stress. Problems with the adrenal glands or with the controlling gland, the pituitary, can lead to production of cortisol even in the absence of stress.
Canine Cushing’s disease is characterized by symptoms that include excessive drinking, increased urination, distended stomach, thin skin and excessive hair loss. Behavioral symptoms may include reluctance to play and indifference.
Although it is known that adrenal or pituitary tumors cause the adrenal glands to produce more than required cortisol, surgical excision is usually avoided considering the age of the dog and the risks involved. Other factors that restrict dog owners to go for aggressive treatment are the high costs of diagnostic tests and treatment and the side effects of immunosuppressive drugs and drugs that destroy adrenal tissue responsible for production of cortisol.
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posted by Tess on Apr 30
Cushing’s syndrome or hyperadrenocorticism is not as common in cats as it is among dogs. The treatments for Cushing’s disease in dogs is far more developed that those for cats. But that can hardly be reason for getting complacent since there have been a fair number of cases of feline hyperadrenocorticism that have been reported lately.
The best way to be prepared to tackle the syndrome is to understand the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. This helps in identifying the problem, confirming the presence and getting it treated effectively.
Causes
Cushing’s disease is a glandular disorder caused by excessive production of an adrenal-cortex hormone called cortisol.
A complex system of reciprocal interactions between the pituitary gland and the adrenal glands controls the cortisol levels in a cat’s body. An abnormal development like a tumor can disturb the fine balance of the amount of cortisol produced.
Sometimes, the condition can also be caused due to a high dosage of synthetic hormones that may have been used to treat other ailments.
Symptoms
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posted by Tess on Sep 29
What is Cushing’s Disease?
Cushing’s disease is also known as hyperadrenocorticism and is characterized by the over-production of hormones from the adrenal glands. The extra high levels of these hormones in your pet’s body can cause varied and serious symptoms.
Function and definition of the adrenal glands
The adrenal glands are two, small bean-shaped structures situated above each of your pet’s two kidneys. They consist of two separate regions: an inner adrenal medulla surrounded by an outer adrenal cortex.
The adrenal glands release a wide variety of hormones. The medulla is responsible for producing epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline). These hormones control the body’s reaction to stress and affect blood pressure and heart rate. The adrenal cortex produces hormones such as cortisone and aldosterone which are necessary for balancing fluid and electrolytes (salt) in the body as well as regulating the use of dietary protein, fats and carbohydrates and controlling inflammation.
What are the symptoms of Cushing’s Disease?
High levels of corticosteroids in the body can cause a number of health problems in pets including:
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