How is Cushings disease diagnosed?
A number of tests are necessary to diagnose and confirm Cushing’s disease. The two most common tests to detect Cushing’s disease are the ACTH Stimulation Test and the Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression (LDDS) test. Other tests are needed to determine which form of the disease is present. Endogenous ACTH levels, High-dose Dexamethasone Suppression (HDDS) test, urine cortisol:creatinine ratio, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone response to ACTH administration tests may also be recommended. “An abdominal ultrasound examination can be a valuable part of the testing process.” An abdominal ultrasound examination can be a valuable part of the testing process. This permits visualization of the adrenal glands, detecting the presence of a tumor and whether one or both adrenals are affected. Although some of these tests are somewhat expensive and a few require hospitalization for up to eight hours, they are necessary to determine the best treatment and prognosis for your pet.
