Cushing’s syndrome is a common endocrine disorder which affects mostly in middle-aged and older dogs. The affected dogs tend to produce excessive amounts of cortisol, which is responsible to fight stress and inflammation in body. As a result, the dog faces several health related complications.
Cushing’s syndrome is a common disorder among dogs, which occur when the body makes too much of cortisol. Though the hormone helps to respond to stress, control weight, fight infections, and keep blood sugar level under control. But an excess (or inadequate) production of cortisol, can lead to severe problems. Vets generally recommend Vetoryl for dogs to control the situation. With regular medication, the symptoms of Cushing’s disease tend to fade.
What causes Cushing’s disease?
The main reason of Cushing’s syndrome is a tumour in the pituitary gland or the adrenal gland and the tumour is often benign. The dog suffering from Cushing’s disease develops signs that are clinically quite similar to those of aging process. The tumour cells produce huge amount of ACTH hormone that stimulates the overproduction of cortisol.
No matter what the reason of the disorder is, the result is the same. It shows slow development of combination of clinical signs that are commonly associated with Cushing’s syndrome.
Signs and symptoms of Cushing’s disease
Cushing’s disease is more common in older dogs and in smaller breeds. Some of the most noticeable signs include hair loss, pot-belly, skin disease, changes in behaviour, frequent urination and a ravenous appetite.
Other signs and symptoms include:
- Excessive urination with possible incontinence
- Large water intake
- Ravenous appetite
- Excessive panting, even at rest
- Muscle wasting and weakness
- Frequent urinary tract infections (cystitis)
- Pot-belly
- Lethargy
- Hair loss, thin skin and recurrent skin infections
Diagnosis and treatment of Cushing’s syndrome
The most common methods of diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome are via
a. ATCH stimulation test – Blood test to measure how well the adrenal glands work in response to a hormone called ACTH that usually prompts them to make cortisol.
b. Low dose dexamethasone suppression (LDDS) test – Blood samples collected to check how your dog’s body works with a man-made version of cortisol, called dexamethasone.
Treatments of Cushing’s Syndrome
If there is a tumour on the adrenal glands of the pet, it can be surgically removed to get rid of the problem. But, in case the tumour has spread to other parts of the body, surgery might not be the solution.
Under such situation, the most common drug recommended is Vetoryl for dogs. Along with the medication, it is necessary to keep a track with regular check-ups and tests to make sure his treatment is working.
How to assess improvement with Vetoryl?
Your vet would study the improvement with Vetoryl treatment by:
a. Improvement in clinical signs
There would be sudden decrease in your dog’s appetite, and the amount of water they drink in the first two weeks on treatment. These are the initial two clinical signs, while the others may take around 3-6 months to show improvement.
b. Blood tests
The vet would ask for regular routine blood tests and an ACTH stimulation test to assess whether or not the treatment with Vetoryl is effective. The tests would follow at 10 days, 4 weeks, 12 weeks and subsequently every 3 months after starting treatment.
Management of Cushing’s syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome can never be totally cured. All you can do is successfully manage the condition with regular medication like Vetoryl for dogs. Vetoryl is the only licensed treatment for use in dogs, contains the active ingredient trilostane, a drug which reduces the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands.
Vetoryl is available on reliable online animal pharmacies like PetRx2Go. They sell products which are USDA or FDA approved and ship from the United States. They sell the same exact medications sold by your veterinarian, and they do not sell expired or foreign medications. Their products and medicines are sold at the best price, guaranteed. From prescription medications to supplements, Petrx2go is here to help keep your pets happy and healthy.
Get in touch with them on https://www.petrx2go.com or at 1-800-798-2165 to know more.
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