How to Treat Cushing's Syndrome in Animals
Cushing's syndrome is normally found in medium to older aged animals. Per owners often think it might just be because the animal is getting old. Unfortunately this can lead to the animal being put down; unfortunate because it is not necessary. Let me explain...
What is Cushings Syndrome?
Hypercortisolism, the other name for Cushing's, occurs when the adrenal glands, located near the kidneys, produce excess cortisol.
Sometimes the overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands is caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland (a small part of the brain) which in turn tells the brain to get the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. This is known as pituitary dependent cushing's syndrome. This is ther most common cause of cushing's syndrome in animals.
The second most common cause occurs when the adrenal glands produce excess cortisol. This is often caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland and is referred to as adrenal dependent cushing's.
It's important to note that the production of excess cortisol can lead to other complications and misdiagnosis.
Watch the video below to learn more about Cushing's syndrome in dogs.
What is Cushings Syndrome?
Hypercortisolism, the other name for Cushing's, occurs when the adrenal glands, located near the kidneys, produce excess cortisol.
Sometimes the overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands is caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland (a small part of the brain) which in turn tells the brain to get the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. This is known as pituitary dependent cushing's syndrome. This is ther most common cause of cushing's syndrome in animals.
The second most common cause occurs when the adrenal glands produce excess cortisol. This is often caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland and is referred to as adrenal dependent cushing's.
It's important to note that the production of excess cortisol can lead to other complications and misdiagnosis.
Watch the video below to learn more about Cushing's syndrome in dogs.
This dog is showing classic signs of Cushings. Note the extended stomach.
What are the Common Symptoms
The symptoms vary depending on the animal but consist mainly of the following:
What are the Common Symptoms
The symptoms vary depending on the animal but consist mainly of the following:
- Hair loss, mainly on the body,
- Bloating of the stomach,
- An increase in the consumption of water and related increase in urination,
- A larger appetite than usual, and
- Weakness, panting and lethargy.
There can sometimes be secondary symptoms for which cushing's syndrome is the root cause but are more accurately related to the conditions brought about by cushing's.
Also, excess cortisol in the system can suppress the animal's immune system. As a consequence, the animal is more likely to get other diseases.
The Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis is different for pituitary dependent and adrenal dependent cushing's syndrome.
It's not easy to diagnose the condition as sometimes the results are inconclusive. These include measuring the ratio of cortisol to other chemicals, dexamethasone suppression and ACTH stimulation testing.
There are different philosophies for treating the condition, depending who you talk to. Some vet's will prescribe drugs like Lysodren or Trilostane. These treatments will continue for the life of the animal and in the early stages of treatment, the side effects can be quite dramatic.
Alternative approaches that seem to be getting widespread praise include photonic therapy. A veterinarian in Australia appears to be having great success with this approach. It's essentially a modern approach to acupuncture but instead of using needles to stimulate acupuncture points, a specially designed red light torch is used. The benefit of this approach is that there's no side effects and animal owners can apply the treatment themselves. All they need is a photonic therapy kit. You can find out more about photonic therapy here >>>
Also, excess cortisol in the system can suppress the animal's immune system. As a consequence, the animal is more likely to get other diseases.
The Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis is different for pituitary dependent and adrenal dependent cushing's syndrome.
It's not easy to diagnose the condition as sometimes the results are inconclusive. These include measuring the ratio of cortisol to other chemicals, dexamethasone suppression and ACTH stimulation testing.
There are different philosophies for treating the condition, depending who you talk to. Some vet's will prescribe drugs like Lysodren or Trilostane. These treatments will continue for the life of the animal and in the early stages of treatment, the side effects can be quite dramatic.
Alternative approaches that seem to be getting widespread praise include photonic therapy. A veterinarian in Australia appears to be having great success with this approach. It's essentially a modern approach to acupuncture but instead of using needles to stimulate acupuncture points, a specially designed red light torch is used. The benefit of this approach is that there's no side effects and animal owners can apply the treatment themselves. All they need is a photonic therapy kit. You can find out more about photonic therapy here >>>
Our horse was really looking old and was hard to ride. Then we found out he had Cushing's Syndrome. We tried photonic therapy and within three weeks noticed a huge difference. My daughter has been riding the horse regularly and says that she's much better.
The final approach is to remove the tumor with surgery. This approach is risky and could lead to further complications. You should talk to your vet before making that decision.
Prognosis
It is possible for your animal to live a long and happy life with cushing's syndrome. Treatment will need to be applied regularly and for the life of the animal.
Prognosis
It is possible for your animal to live a long and happy life with cushing's syndrome. Treatment will need to be applied regularly and for the life of the animal.