Cushing's Disease In Dogs 

Do you notice that your dog's fur is thinning? You know that dogs shed every once in a while but not to the point that it is thinning, revealing your dogs skin. If this happens, then perhaps you may want to consult a veterinarian as this is one of the symptoms of Cushing's disease in dogs. This is a condition in which is characterized by too much production of glucocorticoid, a hormone excreted by the adrenal gland to aid in coping with stress as well as promote healthy body functions like maintaining sugar levels, regulating metabolism, strengthening the muscles, and promoting healthy kidney functions. Normally, dogs who have reached their middle to old ages are the ones who are prone to developing this disease and it may be due to different factors such as adrenal or pituitary tumor.

What are other symptoms of Cushing's disease?

There are many known symptoms for Cushing's disease in dogs. Normally, only one or two symptoms appear in dogs which is why it can be quite hard to detect. Apart from the thinning of the fur, the condition is also defined by sudden increase in appetite. Your may find your dog eating too much, always rummaging for food. Sometimes, he can also be overprotective of his food. Likewise, your dog will also be thirsty all the time and has the tendency to drink lots of water. As a result, he may urinate a lot too.

Cushing's disease in dogs also causes the abdominal muscles of your dog to expand. Your dog may look so fat and round especially around the belly. But despite having a fat belly, you will notice that the other parts of his body are becoming thinner because of the abnormal distribution of fat in the body.

Dogs suffering from this condition also experiences exhaustion and fatigue. You will notice that your previously happy dog now becomes sullen and he usually lurks around cool areas of your house. Your dog may also pant excessively and his hind legs may appear to be dragging.

How to treat canine Cushing's disease?

If you thing that your canine is suffering from Cushing's disease in dogs, then you need to have him treated immediately. There are a lot of cures that can be administered like:

  * Medication

Dogs who are diagnosed with the disease may be given specific types of medication that can help balance the production of glucocorticoids in the body. However, this type of treatment is not that effective according to most veterinarians.

 * Radiation treatment

Because Cushing's disease in dogs is caused by tumor, veterinarians often use radiation treatments in order to reduce the size of the tumor. This can really be effective as it works to help balance out the production of cortisol that affects the performance of the brain.

 * Surgery

The best known procedure for treating Cushing's disease is to remove the presence of the tumor surgically. This may be dangerous for the dog especially if he is in his old age, however, certain tests will be administered by the veterinarian to make sure that the dog can endure the procedure.

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