We have decided to write our first client information sheet on Cushing’s due to the overwhelming amount of questions we have had from owners about the disease. I would strongly encourage owners of dogs who are suffering from Cushing’s to follow the link below and write in with their comments, suggestions and experience as I’m sure this will be a great help to people who have recently had their dog diagnosed with hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease). Thank you.

Cushing’s disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed endocrinopathies in dogs but is very rare in cats. 85-90% of Cushing’s occurs from excessive ACTH (a hormone) released from the pituitary gland in the brain that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroid. The other 10-15% of cases are from a tumour (which may be benign or malignant) of the adrenal gland. Cushing’s disease results from the side effects of too much corticosteroid circulating within your dog’s body.

The possible side effects are many and listed below:

Increased drinking and urinating (may be peeing in the house), enlarging/pot bellied abdomen, hair loss, tiredness/lethargy, increased appetite, muscle weakness, skin changes, neurological signs.

The diagnosis is based on clinical signs, and a range of other possible tests including urinalysis, Xrays or ultrasound that can check for a number of organ changes, blood tests for haematology and biochemistry, and then more specific blood tests called an ACTH stimulation +/or a low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test, High Dose Dex. Suppression Test.

Treatment: Medical management of Cushing’s can be very successful. Trilostane is currently the only licenced UK drug for the treatment of Cushing’s Disease. Trilostane interferes with the production of steroid by the adrenal gland, it is not toxic to cells and it’s effects are reversible on stopping treatment. The treatment must be continued for life and from personal experience the author has seen good long term control of Cushing’s Disease.

There is a surgical option for Adrenal dependant Cushing’s HOWEVER this should not be undertaken lightly as the post-operative complications can be very severe, and as a result this proceedure is very rarely done. Please speak with your vet to get more information about this proceedure if you have any questions.