What happens to a dog with Cushings disease?
To understand Cushing’s disease, it’s necessary to understand the function of an important body chemical called cortisol. Cortisol, also known as the “fight or flight” hormone, is a natural steroid that is necessary for a number of life functions. If a dog’s body produces too much cortisol, as in the case with Cushing’s disease, the result is a hormonal imbalance that affects a number of body systems and, ultimately, the dog’s health and appearance. In addition, dogs with Cushing’s disease can also develop diabetes, liver disease, and other serious complications. How can I tell if my dog has Cushing’s disease? Early detection may improve and prolong the quality of life for a dog with Cushing’s disease. The disease’s onset in most dogs is gradual, so the clinical signs may not be obvious at first. In fact, these signs may be mistaken for “normal” signs of aging. For this reason, it is very important for pet owners to report any changes in their dog’s appearance or behavior to their vete
