what is cushing's disease in dogs? and what are the treatments?

Answer 1

My dog was JUST diagnosed with this 1 week ago.

Okay, here it is.....

There's actually 2 types of Cushings....1 involves the pitutary gland, the other a brain lesion. (Mine has Pituitary Cushings.)

With the pitutary gland, way too much Cortisol is being produced and the cortisol is depositing "layers" around the gland--like a tumor. Since the pitutary gland controls so much of the body...symptoms can include eating like it's their last meal, drinking lots & lots of water, thus peeing all the time, and b/c of the water the pee is diluted. (This is why my dog wears diapers.)

Not sure about the brain lesion...symptoms are the same.

There are 3 treatments, however, only 1 is commonly used b/c it's effective & less expensive than other tests.

Lysodren is basically a chemo drug & when handling it you have to wear gloves. You give this pill to the dog for 9-16 days, this is known as the induction phase. You will also be given an antidote if you will, Prednisone to counter side effects--when the side effects appear, you have to administer this drug so as not to bring on Addison's disease (the opposite of Cushings). Anyway, he Lysodren eats away at the layers of Cortisol--side effects are lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, lack of interest in food, significant reduction in water intake. When the side effects appear, your dog has to be retested to determine her Cortisol levels & the appropriate maintenance prescribed.

Cushings is diagnosed thru an ACTH stimulation test, & this same test is done during the induction phase.

For additional info, refer to the following website:
www.veterinarypartner.com and do a search for Cushings.

Answer 2

Cushings disease is an overproduction of the hormone Cortisol which is produced by the adrenal glands. There are 2 forms, primary and secondary. Primary is caused by a tumor in one or both adrenal glands, and treatment requires surgical removal of the affected gland or glands. Secondary is an overproduction of ACTH, the master hormone that controls the adrenals secreted from the pituitary gland, in turn overstimulating cortisol. This is also the result of a tumor, surgery may or may not be possible.
Cushing disease also affects humans.
Lysodren is a medical treatment only used in dogs. It destroys the adrenal gland and cortisol production, your dog would need to take replacement steroids like prednisone, after a time the tumor returns and treatment is re-started, it will extend your dogs life but is not a cure for primary but may be the best option for secondary if surgery is not an option.
For more information go on line and just type Cushings Disease and there are many, many references.

Answer 3

Cushings disease is what is know as an edocrine disoder of the adrenal glands. In this particular disease the adrenal glands which sit on top of the kidneys become hyperactive. This can lead to obseity, and brittle bones. I am not certain what are the treatments off-hand but I am certain it would have to deal with the overproduction of hormones.