Letting the Pet’s Heart Beat

 Cushing’s disease is common in dogs. It can be life threatening, when neglected. However, as it can be treated with timely medical intervention, it is important for pet parents to visit the vet as soon as signs are observed.

The fight or flight instinct exists in both humans and animals. This instinct is controlled by something known as cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands, present in front of the kidneys. Pituitary glands, which are present at the base of the brain, produce the ACTH, which tells the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. The adrenal glands then release cortisol on receiving the message. Malfunction in any of these two glands leads to excess production of cortisol. Uncontrolled production of cortisol,either less or more can be life threatening. Such condition is better known as the Cushing’s diseases, and is more common in dogs that any other species. As it can be life threatening, it is advisable for pet parents to observe the symptoms before it is too late. Timely intervention and appropriate medication enable pets to spend a better quality life.

It can be treate

Vetoryl for dogs is well known to treat this disease. However, the treatment procedure varies according to the type of disease. Cushing’s disease is of three types, depending on the cause. It is also important to understand that surgical intervention although commonly recommended for human’s is not advisable for dogs. Well; thanks to the advancement in pet medicines, the diseases can be effectively controlled with appropriate administration of the right medicine.

The first step to keep the pet’s suffering in control is to observe the symptoms before they blow out of proportion. Sadly, the symptoms progress over a long period of time and are also similar to the signs of ageing in pets. Pet parents may therefore, find it difficult to recognize the symptoms as those of the Cushing’s diseases. Well, being aware of the symptoms enable them to take a call and visit the vet, who with due examinations can easily determine whether the pet is suffering from the diseases or just reflecting ageing signs.

The good news is that the symptoms of all three types of the Cushing diseases are same. It is convenient for pet parents to observe, while the vet can administer treatment based on the cause.

Symptoms of Cushing’s disease

So, here’s a list of common symptoms of the Cushing’s disease.

The most common symptom is increased frequency of urination. Pets wake up in the middle of the night to pass urine. In fact, housebroken dogs may have accidents at home, unlike ever before. A significant increase in appetite is yet another commonly observed symptom. It is mostly a result of excess production of cortisol. So, the most commonly seen signs are increased appetite, increased water consumption and increase in urination. Depleting hair coat and lethargy are also observed. Accumulation of fat in the abdominal organs makes them heavier, leads to stretching of the abdominal wall and therefore, a pot-bellied appearance. Pet parents must visit the vet in case of sudden weight gain. Persistent bladder infections, panting, thinning of skin etc are other signs of the Cushing’s diseases.

Pet parents, however may not worry. Timely observation and appropriate treatment can save the four legged companion from undue suffering. Moreover, pet medicines prescribed by the vet are now easily available at PetRx2Go, the genuine online pharmacy for pet medicines.

For further details, contact them at https://www.petrx2go.com

How to Be Sure If My Dog Suffering from Cushing's Disease?

Did you just find your dog urinating too much? Or is he drinking more water than usual? This excess thirst and urination must not be ignored as they can very well be signs of Cushing’s Disease. How did he get the disorder? Can it be treated? Can your dog die of the disease? Find your answers here.

Visualize this. You are deep asleep in the middle of the night when you woke up by your dog’s frequent visits to the restroom. You are alerted and take your pet to the vet the next day. He examines your dog, does some tests, and prescribes him Vetoryl for dogs. Oh well, your dog is diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease.

Is it scary? Can it be cured? Is it diagnosed too late? Had you known about it a bit earlier, would that have been better? Queries and doubts like these might swarm up in your mind.

Time for a reality check about the disease.

What is Cushing’s Disease?
The Cushing’s Disease is a disorder that affects the endocrine system which is the collective system of glands responsible for producing and secreting hormones in the body. Among these hormones is the cortisol, a hormone which, under normal levels, performs several useful functions. It helps individual respond to stress and also helps to modulate the immune system.

But, too much of cortisol in the body is dangerous. This is what happens in Cushing’s Disease or hyperadrenocorticism when excess of cortisol is produced. In dogs, the condition affects middle-aged to older ones.

Signs and symptoms to watch out for:

Do make sure that not all the symptoms are evidently noticeable in every dog with Cushing’s Disease. Also, that many signs can be associated with other diseases too. To determine and to be sure whether it is actually Cushing’s Syndrome, your vet would do several tests when you find any or few of these symptoms.

• Increased thirst (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria)
• Increased hunger
• Urinating at night with frequent accidents
• Too much panting
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Muscle weakness
• Obesity
• Fat pads around the neck region
• Pot-bellied abdomen
• Hair loss
• White scaly patches on the skin that are hard to touch
• Skin darkening
• Thin skin
• Bruising
• Infertility

Common Causes of Cushing’s Disease:

Cushing’s disease is primarily caused by the dysfunction in the pituitary and/or adrenal glands. This dysfunction is often caused by tumors caused by the affected glands that produce excessive levels of cortisol steroids. This disrupts the normal function of the gland as well as of multiple organ systems.

Common causes:

• Pituitary gland tumor
• Adrenal gland tumor
• Breed disposition

Diagnosing Cushing’s Disease in dogs:

To diagnose if your dog is suffering from Cushing’s Disease, your vet will go for comprehensive health history of your dog and then perform a complete physical exam. The usual tests include a blood chemistry profile, complete blood cell count, fecal examination and a urinalysis.

The most commonly done test to diagnose Cushing’s Disease in dogs is the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST). If the cortisol level is not suppressed, it means that the dog has Cushing’s Disease.

Treatment for Cushing’s Syndrome

Dogs with mild symptoms of Cushing’s Disease might not need immediate treatments, but they must be closely monitored to notice any further deterioration in their health. If it is found that dog’s pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease has been reached or has worsened, they must be administered (trilostane) Vetoryl for dogs.

Please note that trilostane often interact with other common dog medications. So it is advisable to discuss all medications and supplements with your veterinarian before administering the medicine.

You can get your medicines by placing online orders on websites that sell pet medications online. One of the most trusted online animal pharmacy is PetRx2Go. Get in touch with them on https://www.petrx2go.com or call up at 1-800-798-2165 to place your order now.