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Canine Cushings Disease is also referred to as Hyperadrenocorticism. This
medical concern involves the body producing more of the hormone known as
corticosteroids. Sometimes this occurs due to the amount of those hormones found
in various types of medications that are offered to dogs for the treatment of
other health concerns as well.
Today there are more forms of treatment for canine Cushings Disease than in the
past. Daily medications are the most common form of treatment for about 75% of
all forms of canine Cushings Disease. Too much cortisol produced is the
underlying cause of this health problem. Many people confuse it with Addison’s
Disease but that is the exact opposite – when they body isn’t producing enough
cortisol.
In about 15% of canine Cushings Disease diagnosis, there is a tumor present. The
removal of the tumor often depends on the exact location of it as well as the
size of it. An ultrasound can help the vet to be able to see what they are up
against. Generally though the surgery to have it removed is extremely risky.
That is why other forms of treatment such as radiation may be tried to get the
size of the tumor to shrink.
This is a very serious disease that can result in a very poor quality of life
for a dog. It can be very painful for them to live with. Even medications
offered on a daily basis don’t always offset the level of pain. They may build
up a tolerance to that pain medication over the course of time. Some of the
medications can also cause liver damage. Your vet will want to do testing on a
regular basis to make sure this isn’t occurring.
Canine Cushings Disease is a very serious condition for dogs, and the outlook
for it isn’t good. Most dogs that have been diagnosed with it don’t live more
than a couple of years. Some owners choose to have their dogs put down in order
to save them they struggle of fighting such a disease.
Others do all they can to keep their dog comfortable but to also ensure that
they can be around for a longer period of time. That is something you will need
to discuss with your vet and come to your own conclusion about should your dog
be diagnosed with canine Cushings Disease.
Should you decide that you are going to pursue treatment, you must make sure
your vet is well qualified. Regular appointments for blood work to be conducted
is very important. That is going to help determine how effective the medication
is for your dog. At the same time it will help to signal if your dog is
developing a tolerance for that drug. When that occurs it won’t be as effective.
Then the vet may need to consider changing medications to help control canine
Cushings Disease.
Today you will find most vets are well trained in how to handle this medical
diagnosis. Those that don’t will be able to refer you to a specialist that can
meet your needs. It is possible for your dog to be pain free from canine
Cushings Disease when proper treatment is offered.
