Cushing's syndrome in dogs: symptoms and treatment. Cushing's syndrome in dogs: how long do they live?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The endocrine system is one of the biggest mysteries of our body. Almost all biochemical processes occurring in the body are tied to the endocrine glands, and the slightest change in the level of hormones often leads to irreversible consequences. If we talk about the field of veterinary medicine, then the most common violation is Cushing's syndrome. In dogs, this disorder most often occurs in old age, and today we will analyze in detail what it is and how you can deal with it. This article is purely informational, in any case, to make a diagnosis and choose a treatment regimen, you need to consult a doctor.

What is Cushing's syndrome in dogs

This is a pathology that is not at all as rare as we would like. The violation consists in the fact that the pituitary gland of the animal begins to secrete cortisol in too high quantities. This is a very important hormone, which is the most powerful natural remedy for resisting stress. We won't stop atthe mechanism of the effect of this hormone on the body, let's just say that this substance mobilizes all reserves to withstand the negative effects of the external environment.

It seems to be a complete benefit, why are we, describing this mechanism, talking about Cushing's syndrome in dogs? The fact is that those amounts of the hormone that begin to be released into the blood are excessive even for an elephant. And the pituitary gland, which must control the amount of hormone produced, is generally switched off from this process. Because of this, your pet is facing extremely unpleasant consequences.

Negative Consequences

Cushing's syndrome in dogs leads to changes in the behavior of the animal. Mental disorders are clearly manifested. The dog is tormented by constant, exhausting thirst. This creates a high load on the kidneys, and in addition, leads to excessive urination. This disorder may well lead to death, and quite quickly. The reason for this is easily explained from the point of view of physiology. The body is in a mobilized state, which means it wears out several times faster. In veterinary practice, there are examples when the state of the body of a three-year-old dog with this disease is identical in wear and tear to the body of a dog aged 13-15.

Main symptoms

Let's now talk about how you might suspect Cushing's syndrome in dogs. First of all, the owners pay attention to the increased appetite. The animal begins to add very quicklyin weight. In parallel, you may notice intense thirst and very frequent urination. The animal cannot endure for a long time and, despite the increased number of walks, it still pees at home.

In fact, this disease does not appear out of nowhere, but gradually develops, and the symptoms are getting worse. The dog becomes weak and lethargic, drowsy, but shows excellent appetite. The abdomen sags due to weakness of the abdominal muscles. Very fast fatigue is observed. Gradually baldness is added. Extensive areas of skin remain completely hairless. Most often these are areas on the body, but not on the head or paws. Itching is absent. In the absence of treatment, diabetes mellitus develops very soon against the background of this disease.

Causes of disease

In fact, veterinarians have several theories as to why dogs suffer from this hormonal disorder. However, the main cause is called a tumor that affects the adrenal glands. Most often, doctors try to correct this condition with the help of surgery or drugs, which also have their own side effects. However, this is not the only reason that can cause Cushing's syndrome in dogs. The photo shows us the external changes that occur with sick animals, but below we will return to the symptoms.

Another reason could be a pituitary adenoma. Therefore, it will be necessary to examine both the pituitary gland and the adrenal glands. However, having discovered a tumor, the doctor only begins his work. It is still necessary to determine with benignor a malignant lesion we are dealing with, and only then predict the course of treatment.

Predisposition

There are certain breeds where this disease is more common than others. So, boxers and terriers of all kinds are at risk. This also includes dachshunds, beagles, poodles and basset hounds. Most often, this disease affects adults who are 7-10 years old. At this age, doctors can only maintain the condition of the body as much as possible. However, Cushing's syndrome is also diagnosed at a fairly young age - in dogs under two years of age. The disease is very dangerous because it affects all organs and systems at once, and therefore, without proper treatment, there is a high probability of death of the animal, as well as a serious reduction in life expectancy with adequate treatment.

Examination

It is extremely important to reliably confirm Cushing's syndrome in dogs. Diagnosis of this disease is very difficult, not all clinics are able to provide the necessary conditions for this. First of all, the doctor must examine the animal and take the necessary tests. Indicative will be a clinical and biochemical blood test, as well as a urinalysis, in which it is important to check the protein level.

To clarify the picture, the doctor may prescribe an x-ray that will show an enlarged liver or mineralization of the adrenal glands. An ultrasound is needed to rule out a tumor.adrenal glands. Proper diagnosis should not only confirm Cushing's syndrome in dogs. The symptoms that will be treated in the next step may be blurred, which means it is extremely important to find the source of the problem.

Treatment

This is a difficult and crucial moment. At this stage, the doctor must choose the most appropriate therapy. Restoring cortisol levels, supporting the work of all organs and systems - this is the main task that he has faced since he was diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome. In dogs, treatment can take place in two ways.

The first way is surgical. It is not shown to all animals, but only to those who have a tumor of the adrenal glands. In the case of a pituitary adenoma, things are even more complicated, and the adrenal glands are simply removed and the animal is prescribed lifelong hormonal treatment.

The second way is medication. In this case, hormone therapy is used to normalize cortisol levels. This is Mitotan. Reception begins with a dosage of 50 mg per day per 1 kg of weight. The daily dose is divided into 2-3 doses. Treatment continues for two weeks. The condition of the animal is monitored by a blood test. With a decrease in cortisol in the blood to acceptable levels, you need to switch to a dosage of the drug 50 mg / kg once a week.

The second option often prescribed by doctors is Ketoconazole. First of all, it is prescribed to those animals who, against the background of Cushing's syndrome, also develop fungal skin damage. Take this drug in the first week - 10 mg per 1 kg of weight (in two doses). The second week increase the dosage to 20 mg per 1 kg of weight (also in two doses). Finally, the third week of treatment involves a daily dosage of 30 mg per 1 kg of body weight.

How to determine the effectiveness of treatment

First of all, blood tests, ultrasound and x-rays will be the reference points. However, there are indicators that the owner himself can evaluate. This is primarily a reduction in the amount of water consumed by the dog. However, it must be borne in mind that against the background of ongoing therapy, the animal may develop complications. This is vomiting and increased weakness, lethargy and refusal to eat. Such symptoms may indicate concomitant disorders and diseases. Therefore, for the purity of the picture, it is necessary to conduct laboratory research.

Treatment results

What can you hope for when a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Syndrome? How long do these patients live? These questions are often asked by owners to veterinarians. It must be said that the disease described is only partially treatable. Most often, life expectancy, even after successful therapy, does not exceed 2-3 years. This is due to the fact that Cushing's syndrome is a systemic disease that affects all organs and systems and causes a number of irreversible changes. These are the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and nervous systems. In parallel, such a disease reduces the body's resistance to various infections, and also provokes a significant increase in blood pressure.