Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid used by many veterinarians to treat a wide variety of conditions in dogs including:

* Disorders of the central nervous system.
* Endocrinal disorders like Cushings disease and Addisons disease.
* Neoplastic conditions that is growth of tumors.
* Immune mediated diseases.
* Emergency situations like spinal chord trauma.
* Inflammation related respiratory and bowel disorders.

Side effects of prednisone depend directly on the quantum and duration of the drug administered. Short term use of prednisone is less likely to cause any damaging side effects. It is only when the dose reaches an immunosuppressive level when the side effects start causing concern.

Overdose of prednisone can cause suppression of normal adrenal functions, Cushing�s disease in dogs and destabilization of metabolism if withdrawn abruptly. Short term use can cause excessive urination abnormal hunger and an increase in the appetite for dogs. Prolonged use, even in recommended dosages may cause:

* Diarrhea.
* Gastrointestinal ulcers.
* Inflammation in the pancreas.
* Muscle degeneration.
* Vomiting.
* Weight gain.
* Diabetes.
* Behavioral changes.
* Skin and hair coat problems.

Cushing�s syndrome is a disorder of the endocrine system caused by excessive secretion of cortisol by the adrenal cortex. The underlying cause can lie with the adrenal glands or the pituitary gland, which controls adrenal secretions with ACTH, a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland.

A pituitary adenoma (benign tumor in the gland, also known as Cushing�s disease), adrenal tumor or other conditions that lead to excessive production of ACTH may also lead to a series of symptoms associated with Cushing�s syndrome.

Common symptoms of Cushing�s disease include hair loss, weight loss despite proper diet, lethargy, increased thirst and urination and anemia.

The conventional approach to treating endocrine disorders is to use immunosuppressive drugs or hormonal replacements as the case may be. Conditions caused due to an adrenal tumor may require complete removal of the gland. However, in cases of pituitary tumors it may not be possible to remove this delicate gland.

The disturbing factor associated with conventional treatment is that Cushing�s disease may also occur due to a complication resulting from treatment, especially steroid use. Administration of steroids can lead to the most recognizable symptom, hair loss.

The term ‘organic’ is contextual and has various meanings. For the purpose of this article organic means as much as it relates to bodily organs.

The two major organs involved in the development of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs are the two glandular organs of the endocrine system – the pituitary and the adrenal glands (to be particular, the adrenal cortex). The pituitary is the parent gland that releases Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) to signal the adrenal cortex to release the stress hormone, cortisol.

Excess of this hormone is the basic cause of Cushing’s syndrome. Excessive levels of cortisol may be caused due to a problem, usually a tumor, with the pituitary or the adrenal gland. When the problem is caused due to a pituitary tumor, it is known as Cushing’s disease.

Regardless of the nature of these tumors, benign or malignant, the result is increase in production of cortisol. Dogs that have previously undergone corticosteroid therapy for allergies or immune diseases are also at a risk of developing symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome.

Cortisol has a strong physiological and chemical effect and acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agent. Large amounts of free circulating cortisol in the body suppress the dog’s immune system, exposing it to various bacterial infections.

The lymphoid system helps in the body�s defenses against viruses and bacteria. The lymphatic tissue is spread out in the body and is concentrated in the lymph nodes, GI tract, skin, liver and spleen. Lymphoma or cancer of the lymphoid system is one of the common types of cancers that can affect dogs.

Lymphoma is a malignant tumor of the cells and can occur practically anywhere in the body. It usually occurs in multiple sites in the body. The chest cavity, nose, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system and lymph nodes that are spread all across the body are the locations that are attacked in most cases where lymphoma occurs in a dog.

The diagnosis and treatment that is decided depends upon the site of the lymphoma. Blood tests of aspirates of the tumor, biopsy, X-Rays and ultrasound examinations confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include surgery, radiation and drug therapy.

Life expectancy for dogs with lymphomas is limited to four to six weeks. With treatment there is a possibility that this period can be extended. Although any veterinarian can prescribe the treatment for lymphomas, it is advisable to consult a veterinary oncologist to ensure that you evaluate the latest treatment options.

Symptoms of Addison�s disease are not so specific in dogs. Moreover, even these vague symptoms vary over a period leading to a situation where dog owners are not even sure of its prevalence. Addison�s disease generally occurs due to autoimmune conditions.

Although it is not a conclusive diagnostic procedure, it is important to look for the level of primary ions of electrolytes like sodium and potassium. The proper amount and distribution of electrolytes in the body is essential for your dog�s health.

Final diagnosis of Addison�s disease, however, is done only after checking the response of the dog�s body to ACTH. ACTH is a hormone that is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland to stimulate the adrenal cortex to produce its own hormones.

Addison�s disease is basically a production disorder and is caused by an insufficiency of hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex. This is unlike canine Cushing�s disease, which is caused by excessive production of adrenal hormones. Addison�s disease is managed by giving supplemental hormones.

Aldosterone, a corticosteroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates salt (sodium and potassium) and water balance needs to be supplemented. This is achieved by administering a mineralocorticoid that influences the metabolism of sodium and potassium.

Practically all conventional medications have side effects. Some side effects are self limiting and mild but others can be severe. Prednisone is often projected as a wonder drug that is used to treat numerous conditions in dogs.

The drug affects almost all parts of the body and is instrumental in remission of autoimmune diseases in cases where the fundamental cause cannot be treated. It is used as a standalone drug or as a supplementary treatment for conditions like allergies, respiratory disorders, Cushings disease in dogs, Addison�s disease and various types of cancers.

The downside of prednisone is as alarming as the benefits. One of the side effects of prednisone is that it can cause the same disease that it is meant to cure. A classic example is hyperadrenocorticism in dogs, commonly termed as Cushings disease. It is a glandular disease caused by excessive cortisol in the system. When prednisone is used indiscreetly to supplement deficiencies of corticosteroids, it can potentially lead to iatrogenic (complication resulting from treatment) Cushings disease.

Withdrawing prednisone also needs a large amount of care. The hormone comes under the glucocorticoid class of hormones. Unlike anabolic steroids it does not build the body but it helps in breaking up stored fats, sugars and carbohydrates by acting upon the metabolic processes. Abrupt discontinuation of the drug can cause a metabolic crisis.

Through time, dogs have proven their usefulness to humans. In the Stone Age and beyond, dogs and their keen sense of smell aided man in hunting. In today�s fast-paced world, dogs help us in relieving stress by providing stress-relieving companionship.

A good owner accepts great responsibility for the relationship he shares with his dog. Taking good care of your canine pal is not always easy. Reality checks happen in the form of diseases, and the solution is not always as simple as giving medication. Many medicines that are administered to dogs come with their own set of complications and side effects.

Prednisone is one drug that is often used for treating autoimmune diseases in dogs. It is a synthetic, inactive corticosteroid that is chemically converted by the liver into prednisolone, an active steroid. The benefits of using the drug for treating a number of conditions in humans and animals have been established over time. Prednisone has varied and diverse uses. Some examples are as follows:

* Treatment of excessive itching
* Alleviation of asthma and other allergies
* Managing emergencies like injuries to the spinal chord
* Controlling rejections during organ transplants
* Treating kidney disorders

Hyperadrenocorticism in dogs, commonly known as Cushings disease, is an endocrinal disorder caused by the malfunctioning of either the adrenal glands and/or the pituitary glands. There are natural as well as drug induced causes behind the occurrence of this disease in your pet.

Apart from the harrowing symptoms, there are numerous medical ramifications of Cushings disease in dogs that can potentially affect how long your dog lives

* High blood pressure and heart problems due to a weakening of muscles.
* Pancreas� problems that are rare but can be fatal.
* Kidney problems that arise due to protein loss due to damage in the filtering system.
* Formation of clots in blood vessels due to malfunctioning kidneys.
* Infections caused due to suppression of autoimmune system by excess cortisol.
* Delayed healing of wounds due to excessive cortisol.

Majority of the pets with symptoms of Cushings disease almost always have accompanying high blood pressure and the related cardiac conditions. Due to muscle atrophy the heart muscles thicken and fail to pump sufficient blood. This results in a congestive heart condition. The lungs and abdominal cavities are filled with fluid as enough blood is not available. The resultant hypertension causes the heart to work even harder. This increases the chances of a heart failure significantly.

Though canines and humans are very different in physiology, there are some universal truths that apply to both. And one such universal truth lies in the realm of diet and health.

Centuries ago, humans uprooted dogs from their natural habitat and domesticated them to help them in hunting and guarding. They were removed from the basic source that provided all nutrition that was required in terms of food. Human intervention continues to come in the form of comforts, food and safety. And unfortunately not all of it is actually beneficial for the pet.

There are a fair number of diseases that are unique to domestic dogs. These diseases have not been known to occur in wild dogs and therefore, it can be assumed that these are in some way, caused by human intervention.

Cushings disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is one such condition that ails pet dogs.

Cushings disease in dogs refers to a disease that is caused by excessive amounts of cortisone due to an over active adrenal gland. Major characteristics of this disease are thinning of skin, hair loss, excess of urination and thirst and obesity (bloated abdomen).

A mammal’s body is very complex. It involves a series of preset and complicated actions, reactions and reciprocal actions. These processes are carried out between the various body systems that work together to keep the body functioning properly.

Overall health can be maintained only by ensuring a fine balance between the enzymes, hormones, and various other chemical compounds that are responsible for metabolic activity. Though the mammalian body has been designed to maintain this fine balance, some external or internal factors can disturb the balance causing ailments, diseases, and other conditions. These factors include trauma, disease, age, diet, or a change in the internal chemical environment.

Cushings disease in dogs is one such disorder that results in the over production of corticosteroids. It can be caused by an ACTH producing tumor in the pituitary gland or a corticosteroid-producing tumor in the adrenalin glands. In some cases, Cushings disease can also be caused by an over dosage of external synthetic corticosteroids.

Hyperadrenocorticism in a dog can cause overall health to rapidly deteriorate. It also affects the immune system significantly making it easy for various other infections to affect the dog.