Cushing's Disease

What Is Cushing's Disease?

Cushings Medical terms: Steroid , Cortisol, hyperadrenocorticism , PUPD , ACTH

Cushing’s disease is an excess of cortisol, the hormone normally released by the adrenal glands when pets are stressed. Cushing’s disease is also called hyperadrenocorticism.

Why is Cushing's Disease bad for my pet?

Cushing’s disease affects your pet’s entire body. It raises the blood pressure, thins the skin, causes hair to fall out, and makes the immune system less effective at fighting disease. The liver swells, the muscles become weak, the testicles shrink, and the pet develops pimples. In addition, the pet may pant, and may develop facial nerve palsy. Fortunately, Cushing’s disease is treatable.

What causes Cushing's Disease?

Cushing’s disease can be caused by the steroid medications we give a pet, by brain dysfunction, or by adrenal dysfunction. The most common cause is the giving of steroids to control inflammation. When Cushing’s disease is caused by the steroids we give pets, it is called iatrogenic Cushing’s disease. Usually iatrogenic Cushing’s disease resolves when steroids are stopped.

Other pets will have Cushing’s disease due to a problem with the pituitary gland, which sits deep in the brain behind the eyes. Either the pituitary receives the wrong message from the hypothalamus, or the pituitary spontaneously begins secreting too much of the hormone (adrenocorticotrophic hormone or ACTH) that stimulates the adrenal glands.

A few pets will have Cushing’s disease because there is a problem with the adrenal glands themselves, but not with the brain. Of the pets with adrenal problems, about half will have a cancer of the adrenal glands (adenocarcinoma).

Who Gets Cushing's Disease?

Among the dog breeds genetically predisposed to develop Cushing’s disease are poodles, dachshunds, and terriers. Cats also develop Cushing’s disease, but there is no breed predisposition.

The articles here were answered by a variety of pharmacists and veterinarians   Date Category Topic 03/28/06  Other  HIGH CHOLESTEROL IN 9 YEAR OLD MIXED SHIH TZU 03/28/06  Antibiotics/Anti-Infectives  STOMATITIS 03/27/06  Other  CUSHING'S DISEASE 03/24/06  Hormonal/Endocrine  CUSHINGS 03/21/06  Pain/Inflammation  PAIN MEDICATION 03/18/06  Other  CUSHING DESEASE 03/05/06  Urinary Tract/Kidneys  HOW FAR DO WE GO? 03/02/06  Bone & Joint Care  TORN LIGAMENT IN KNEE 02/14/06  Digestive Care  FINDING A PRODUCT TO HELP MY DOG WITH A DIGESTIVE PROBLEM. 02/07/06  Hormonal/Endocrine  DIET & SUPPLEMENTS 02/01/06  Hormonal/Endocrine  CUSINGS RELIEF 01/29/06  Other  CUSHING DISEASE? 01/23/06  Urinary Tract/Kidneys  LOSS OF CONFORMATION AND BLOATED STOMACH 01/19/06  Urinary Tract/Kidneys  WATER 01/17/06  Other  LETHARGY & LOSS OF APPETITE 1 2 3 4 5 »»

 

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