Cushings disease is a serious condition that develops in middle aged and older dogs. Since the basic cause of the condition is excess production of cortisol by the adrenal glands, it is also known as hyperadrenocorticism.

Cortisol is a stress hormone that is produced by the adrenal cortex on signals received through ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone). Cortisol plays an important role in metabolism and higher than required levels in the body can lead to symptoms like hair loss, muscle weakness, dry and brittle skin, pot belly and a significant increase in thirst and urination.

Although holistic treatment has been associated mainly with alternative therapies, medical science has slowly started accepting the philosophy of medical care. Holistic health care is not a method of treatment but an approach to how to go about treating disease. Holistic treatments consider that all aspects of life are closely interconnected. Symptoms are simply the body’s way of showing that it needs attention. Fever, for example, is considered as body’s own effort at fighting infection.

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.

Domestication, an increased focus on dog health and veterinarian medicine has led to a situation where pet dogs live longer. Selective breeding to produce individual dog breeds has also led to certain genetic diseases that were not very common before. The practical consequence of this is that dog owners have to deal will more dog diseases than ever before.

Apart from certain dog specific diseases, dogs suffer from practically all diseases experienced by humans. Like humans, dogs to can develop bacterial, fungal and viral infections, skin, orthopedic and eye diseases and tumors and cancers. To add to it all there are diseases associated with old age too. Cushing’s syndrome is one such disorder that is usually seen in older dogs.

Canine Cushing’s syndrome may be endogenous or exogenous. Endogenous Cushing’s is a condition where either of the two main endocrinal glands, the pituitary or the adrenal gland stimulate or produce excessive cortisol within the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone and elevated levels of the hormone depress immune and inflammatory responses. The primary cause of exogenous Cushing’s is the administration of steroid medication.

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:

* Increased thirst/drinking and urination
* Increased appetite
* Panting
* High blood pressure
* Loss of hair
* Calcified lumps in the skin
* Thinning skin and susceptibility to infections