There are some dog breeds prone to Cushing’s disease. Cushing’s disease is a hormonal disease that attacks old dogs. If you notice the symptoms of this disease in your dog, it is essential to immediately get it detected and treated. If you are not familiar with this disease yet, here is all you need to know about Cushing’s disease.
Cushing’s Disease in Dogs
Cushing’s disease is also known as Cushing syndrome or hyperadrenocorticism. As it is said before, it is a hormonal or endocrine disease that is characterized by significant and prolonged production of cortisol in the body. This hormone is secreted by the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys, and is similar to cortisone. Dogs produce cortisol when they are stressed in order to help the body to fight against the negative emotion that happens. It also helps maintain the balance of lipid, carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
When cortisol is overproduced, this hormone can affect your dog’s metabolism and the functions of his organs. Dogs with Cushing’s disease will get weakened gradually. And if it is not immediately treated, they will be more prone to various diseases and infections.
Causes of Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease attacks dogs whose age is at least 10 years old. Dog breeds prone to Cushing’s disease are Poddle, Boston, Yorkshire Terrier, and Dachshund. Beagle and Boxer are also prone to this hormonal disease if they weigh less than 20 Kg. The causes of Cushing’s disease are:
- Pituitary gland tumor.
This tumor is small and frequently benign. It is involved in around 85 percent of Cushing’s disease in dogs. The pituitary is a gland that produces hormones that stimulate the adrenal glands. These tumors cause excess cortisol production and change the condition of the dog’s muscles and organs. - Tumors from adrenal glands.
This tumor can be malignant or benign. It is involved in 15 percent cases of Cushing’s disease in dogs. It also produces large amounts of cortisol that affects a dog’s health.
If you pet a type of dog breeds prone to Cushing’s disease, you should be more careful in keeping your dog, especially if it is already old.
Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease
- The dog drinks a lot and urinates more often than usual, which is called polyuro-polydipsia.
- Loses a great amount of fur.
- It causes obesity.
- Loss of energy.
Those are the dog breeds prone to Cushing’s disease.
