Six signs to catching Cushing's disease early

Cushing's disease is caused by an overabundance of cortisol, a hormone generated by the adrenal glands. Abnormalities in the pituitary gland that produce excessive hormone release by the adrenal glands, malignancies inside the adrenal glands, or a combination of these causes can cause excessive cortisol production. The most common medication to treat the condition is vetoryl for dogs.

Excess cortisol can cause a range of symptoms, the most prevalent of which are increased thirst and urination, increased hunger, panting, and skin changes like hair loss and thinning. It's critical to figure out which type of disease is present because this can affect therapy suggestions. To make this distinction, blood tests and imaging treatments, such as abdominal ultrasound, may be required. Before you buy the cheap pet meds online, it is mandatory to take to your vet first and get a proper diagnosis of the condition.

Cortisol is a hormone that is required for a variety of bodily activities. Its secretion from the adrenal glands is controlled by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, two brain areas. Corticotropin-releasing hormone, or CRH, is secreted by the hypothalamus, a small region in the brain, and it works on the pituitary gland, which is also in the brain. Adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH, is released by the pituitary gland, which stimulates the adrenal gland to produce cortisol. The adrenal gland's cortisol regulates the production of CRH and ACTH by feeding it back to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

 

Increased Thirst and Urination

Cushing's illness might take a long time to manifest. Excessive thirst and urination are two of the earliest symptoms of this condition. You could notice that you're replenishing your pet's water bowl more frequently than usual. They can be requesting more time outside. In addition, you may notice that your well-behaved dog is having accidents in the house. Cushing's disease is more common in older dogs, and as a result, the symptoms might be confused with urinary tract infections or even senility. Furthermore, increasing thirst could be a symptom of kidney disease.

Increased Appetite and Weight Gain

A dog's appetite will be stimulated by higher cortisol levels. As a result, individuals may consume more and acquire weight as a result. Your dog may find it difficult to walk around, jump up on objects, or even walk up stairs as a result of his weight gain. Cortisone also relaxes a dog's abdominal ligaments and causes their liver to inflate, giving them a pot-bellied appearance. These Cushing's symptoms, like urinary incontinence, might be confused with other prevalent conditions in senior dogs, such as arthritis.

If you suspect your dog has Cushing's disease, have your veterinarian examine their abdomen to check if their liver is enlarged. The results of this simple hands-on assessment may prompt your doctor to order additional tests to confirm or rule out the start of Cushing's disease and give vetoryl for dogs.

Symmetrical Hair Loss

Cushing's disease can cause a dog's fur to fall out, yet the fur on his legs and head will usually remain intact. Cushing's-related hair loss, on the other hand, primarily affects a dog's belly. Hair loss caused by Cushing's disease is usually symmetrical, affecting both sides of the dog's body equally.

Panting

When a dog has exerted themselves, is stressed, or is hot, it is natural for them to pant. If your dog appears to be panting more than usual, and this occurs in conjunction with the other symptoms, it may be a sign of Cushing's disease.

Thin Skin that Bruises Easily

Gently pinch a fold of skin near your dog's flank on their abdomen. In contrast to the fluffiness of healthy skin, a dog with Cushing's disease may have skin that seems thin to the touch.

Recurrence of Infections

There can be more chances of eye and ear infection when a dog is suffering from Cushing’s disease. In case there's regular itching or redness, do not delay to get in touch with the vet.

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Everything you need to know about treating thyroid in dogs

Thyroid disorder is common in dogs mostly aged between 4 to 10 years. Well, it can be managed, although not cured to make Fido’s life healthier and better. Here’s everything related to the disease, diagnosis symptoms and treatment.

Nothing is more bothersome for a pet parent than an ailing pet suffering and groaning in pain and discomfort. What is more heart wrenching is watching the once active furry friend turn lethargic, pale and dull.

Well, although disease in dogs is common, identification of symptoms and timely treatment coupled with loads of love and care can make all the difference.

One among the many diseases affecting canines is hypothyroidism. It can create a ruckus in the four legged companion’s life. Although it cannot be completely treated, thyroid medication for dogs can replenish the hormone levels to give it a better, longer and more comfortable life.

Thyroid in Dogs

Here’s everything pet parents need to know about thyroid in dogs.

The thyroid gland is present in the neck. It produces iodine containing hormones; the two most important ones being T3 and T4. They regulate the speed at which the body runs. So, low levels of the hormone slow down the metabolic rate and make the pet lethargic and dull. Contrarily, over production of the hormone result in excitability, increased appetite, rise in thirst and urination and more so. It also affects activities of other organs too.

Hyperthyroidism is rare in dogs and more prevalent in cats. Hypothyroidism (under production of thyroid hormones) is more common in dogs, especially medium and large sized dogs; aged between 4 and 10 years.

Treating Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism in dogs cannot be completely treated. Replacement of hormones is commonly done to maintain the hormone level in the canine’s body. So, medication once started mostly goes on for the pet’s lifetime. Change in dosage is done only on fluctuation of hormone levels, which are monitored frequently. However, any change without the vet’s advice can cause more harm than good.

Causes of Thyroid

So, what is it that causes hypothyroidism in dogs? Surprisingly, in 95% of the cases, the destruction of the thyroid gland itself causes the development of hypothyroidism in canines. In rare cases, canines have a malfunctioning thyroid gland from birth. What’s more, in few cases, pituitary gland disorder leads to hypothyroidism. Other rare causes are cancer or congenital defects. Well, identifying the cause and treating it in time is the key to a healthier and happier furry friend. So, on observing the symptoms, the first thing is to pay a visit to the vet for diagnosis of the disease.

Diagnosing Hypothyroidism

Many other diseases affecting the canine friend mimic the symptoms of hypothyroidism. It is therefore, one of the most over diagnosed diseases in dogs. So, before boiling down to conclusions, it is advisable to allow the vet to diagnose the disease and begin appropriate treatment.

Ideally, the vet would conduct a series of blood and other tests that relate to the changes caused in different organs and systems of the body due to thyroid disorder. Another way is to check the thyroid levels, mostly T3 and T4 concentration to determine presence of the disease.

Once the vet diagnoses the disease, appropriate treatment in the form of replacement of hormones would begin. Pet parents’ woes soon come to an end with Fido back on its feet and active and playful like ever before.