The right treatment for cushing’s in dogs will be necessary for helping the dogs have a happy and healthy life. When your dog has Cushing’s syndrome, its body produces too much hormone cortisol. That is why this syndrome is also called hypercortisolism or hyperadrenocorticism. The vet might find it challenging to diagnose this condition because the symptoms are similar to other conditions.
Symptoms
Cushing’s syndrome will affect middle-aged or older dogs. It might be the reason why many dog owners want to know about the symptoms of dog dying from cushing’s. This condition can be associated with the fact that it is pretty difficult to spot the warning signs in the beginning. The symptoms include the dog that is getting thirstier than usual, hungrier and pees more often. The dog with Cushing’s syndrome can also have hair loss, pot belly, thinning skin, and skin infections. It also pants a lot, looks inactive, and seems very tired.
Types
The types of Cushing’s syndrome can determine the type of medication that should be given for the dog. There are two types of Cushing’s syndrome. The first one is the pituitary-dependent type and it is the most common type that affects dogs with Cushing’s syndrome. There is a tumor in the pituitary. The second type is the adrenal dependent type. This type is caused by a tumor in the adrenal glands that can be found on the top of the kidneys. There is also another kind of Cushing’s syndrome that is called iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome. It can be found in a dog that has taken steroids for a long time.
Treatments
Because the main reason for Cushing’s syndrome is a tumor, the treatment for this problem might be surgery. It can be considered by the vet if the tumor is on your dog’s adrenal glands. However, it is impossible to treat it with surgery if the tumor has spread to other body parts. Its health condition will also be considered to determine whether surgery can be the best option or not. Medication is necessary to treat a dog with this condition for helping it lives an active and normal life. It is the option when surgery cannot be performed. However, it will depend on the medication for the rest of its life. Vetoryl or trilostane is the most common medication prescribed as a treatment for cushing’s in dogs, although there is an older medication option called Lysodren or mitotane.
