What Is Cushings Disease in Dogs?
The Signs to Look for, Diagnosis and Treatment Does your older dog suddenly have to urinate more than usual? Is he eating you out of house and home? Do you have to fill his water bowl more often? These may not be signs of growing older; they may indicate your dog has Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism), a chronic, but treatable condition. Cause Cushing’s disease affects the adrenal glands, which are near the kidneys and produce cortin. Cortin regulates many important body functions, including body weight, mineral balance, connective tissue structure, white blood cell production and skin condition. The pituitary gland, which is at the base of the brain, stimulates the adrenal glands with a hormone ACTH to produce cortin. Either a benign, although sometimes malignant, tumor on the pituitary gland or on the adrenal glands causes Cushing’s. The tumor may be benign, but the disease can be life-threatening if left untreated. Other Symptoms Cushing’s has many symptoms, some that can be m
