Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

Canine Cushing's syndrome is a chronic illness that, if left untreated it can rapidly and severely affect your dog's quality of life and can lead to a range of more severe health problems and in certain cases can cause fatal complications. Understanding the causes and symptoms of Cushings Disease in dogs could save your pet's life.

Cushing's syndrome is an incurable but entirely treatable condition that is caused by a malfunctioning pituitary gland. The pituitary gland governs growth and governs adrenaline production. The pituitary gland produces a hormone called cortisol, which stimulates growth and also stimulates the adrenal glands in to production.

A healthy pituitary gland will create growth hormones during the normal canine growth period and will cease production once the dog is fully grown. An over active or otherwise malfunctioning pituitary gland can cause excessive growth.

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Cushing's disease can also cause excessive adrenaline production as it sends incorrect messages to the adrenal glands. The over production of adrenaline is what causes Cushing's Syndrome in dogs (and people).

In most cases Cushing's disease affects older dogs but if the disease is diagnosed in its earliest stages and the correct treatment is provided, it is possible that the dog's life expectancy can be normal.

The symptoms of Cushing's syndrome are often mistaken for the regular signs of old age but some symptoms are more pronounced, including:progressive hair loss starting from  areas like elbows, thinning of skin which becomes susceptible to damage and slow to heal, increased intake of water resulting in increased urination and increased appetite.

Some breeds are more prone to the disease than others and MyPetLibrary.com has teamed up with the pet health care experts at Dechra Veterinary Products to offer a completely FREE report on Canine Cushing's Syndrome which includes advice on:

• breeds most at risk of Canine Cushing's disease
• spotting the symptoms of Canine Cushing's disease
• what to do if you think your dog has Cushing's syndrome

You can download this report – completely FREE of charge.

Canine Cushing's Syndrome