Cushing's Disease In Pets

Hyperadrenocorticism, more commonly known as Cushing’s disease is relatively common in our pets. Although it generally affects dogs more often it is an issue for cats as well.  Unfortunately, many pet owners are not aware of this disease until their pet has been diagnosed with it. Another issue is that Cushing’s disease displays many different symptoms that are also common to other ailments making it difficult to diagnose. In an effort to help educate pet owners about this rather common malady we will address the following questions. What is Cushing’s disease? What are the symptoms of Cushing’s disease? How is Cushing’s disease diagnosed? How is Cushing’s disease treated?

In essence Cushing’s disease is caused by an overactive adrenal gland that creates an over abundance of steroids as well as other hormones in the blood stream. Cushing’s disease can occur in two different ways. The first is pituitary related, in which case the pituitary gland over produces Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), which in turn leads to cortisol overproduction in the adrenal gland. The second is adrenal related in which growth tumors are evident on the adrenal gland affecting the production of a wide variety of hormones. Cushing’s disease commonly occurs in pets in their middle to senior years but can be present in younger pets as well.

Because the adrenal gland produces a wide range of hormones and Cushing’s disease can affect the production of one or more of these hormones, the symptoms of Cushing’s disease are many and often subtle in their appearance. The symptoms of Cushing’s disease are as follows: Sudden weight gain, Excessive shedding, and Hyper pigmentation of your pets skin. Because it affects the ability to concentrate urine, it can lead to increased thirst and frequent urination. The disease can also cause the over production of certain steroids that cause some muscle breakdown creating muscle weakness and lethargy and giving a thin legged appearance. This is often accompanied by a potbelly or swollen abdomen. Another symptom of steroid over production can be a suppressed immune system making your pet more susceptible to secondary infections. The pancreas can be adversely affected as well leading to vomiting and or diarrhea. Other symptoms may include an increase in appetite, calcified lumps under the skin, high blood pressure, skin that is easily broken and skin infections. It should also be noted that left untreated Cushing’s disease could lead to obesity, heart disease and diabetes in the pet.

Obviously if your pet is showing any of these symptoms it is a wise decision to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Cushing’s disease is very difficult to diagnose and unfortunately there is no one single test to identify the ailment. Your veterinarian will most likely run a battery of tests such as blood and urine tests and compare the findings to what normal levels should be. Depending on these results the veterinarian may find it prudent to follow up with x-rays or a sonogram to determine if there is a tumor present.

Your veterinarian will determine treatment for the disease based on the severity of the affliction as well as your pet’s health. Most often medications that cause a decrease in the amount of cortisol produced are prescribed. In extreme cases of adrenal based Cushing’s disease the surgical removal of the adrenal gland may be necessary, however if the disease is pituitary based surgery is not an option. It should be noted that the surgical treatment of Cushing’s disease carries severe risks and should be considered only when all other options have failed to keep the disease in check.

For those pet owners who wish to pursue a more natural remedy there are homeopathic blends that have proven quite effective in alleviating the symptoms of the disease. When searching out homeopathic remedies look for the following ingredients:

Astragalus, this ingredient is effective as a nutritive and helps promote healthy liver function. In addition, Astragalus has proven useful in maintaining the immune system.

Borage, this is an herb that possesses precursors of the hormones produced by the adrenal gland that aid the functions of your pets endocrine system.

Bistorte possesses anti-inflammatory properties and has an energizing and refreshing effect on your pet’s liver and kidneys.

Dandelion helps create a healthy appetite and supports the liver and adrenal gland function. It also aids in proper digestion.

Wild Yam acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Cushing’s disease is seldom a life-threatening ailment. Obviously it can make your pet more susceptible to secondary infection and disease because of its affect on the immune system. It can cause fatigue and intolerance to strenuous activity. However it can also show no symptoms at all. Most importantly by using a mixture of traditional as well as homeopathic treatments the symptoms of Cushing’s disease can be kept in check allowing your pet to live a long and happy life with you.

Summer And The Coolest Of Pets

Spring has sprung and summer is just around the corner, bringing with it the fun of barbecues, softball and pool parties. To make all of theses activities more enjoyable many people include their pets. Here are a few tips to keep your best four-legged friend healthy and happy while having fun in the sun.

It seems amazing that this tip must be shared time and time again yet every year there are tragic stories of pets dying in hot cars. Under no circumstances should your pet be left in the car on a sunny day. Even if the temperature outside seems mild the sunshine can raise the temperature inside of your car to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in just a few minutes. At this temperature brain damage occurs in a matter of minutes, followed by death. On especially hot days even parking in the shade is of little benefit. If you must go out to run errands it is best to leave the fur babies at home.

When out in public locations such as parks keep your pet on a leash. This will help keep them from getting lost in a strange place, or becoming involved in altercations with other animals in the area. It will also ensure that their curiosity does not get the better of them and keep them from eating or drinking things that may be harmful to them.

Join the hydration nation. Water is of the utmost importance to both you and your pet. Arrange it so that your pet has access to plenty of clean fresh water. Check their bowls several times a day on those really warm summer days. If you and your best friend are out and about be sure to take along plenty of H2O for the both of you. Don’t allow your pet to drink from the gutter or puddles in the street. The water in these places may contain harmful substances such as oil, pesticides or antifreeze. There are many innovative travel bowls as well as pet water bottles that make it easy and convenient to provide water for your pet when you’re on the go.

Sunscreen for pets? You bet! Sure they have all of that fur to help protect them from the sun but our pets can suffer the same affects from the sun as we do such as sunburn. Sunscreen is just as important for your pet as it is for you, especially for those pets with lighter colored hair and red/pink noses. Try to avoid going out in the high sun but if you do be sure to use some sort of sunscreen. Your sunscreen will work or there are sunscreens created specifically for pets. Simply apply the sunscreen to unprotected areas like the tips of the ears, around the lips and, of course, on the nose. 

Take extra precautions on humid days. Unlike people who sweat over their entire body as a cooling mechanism our pets only sweat around their paws and depend on panting to cool down. When your pet is panting air moves throughout the nasal passages picking up heat that is then exhaled through the mouth. This is an extremely efficient cooling method however it can be extremely limited in times of high humidity. Also, if your pet has long hair make sure they are well groomed. While their coat helps protect them, if it is full of mats and tangles it could possibly hold too much heat close to their body so a good brushing may be in order. Or if you prefer you could treat them to a spa day at the groomers.

Exercise is an important part of keeping your pet healthy and in actuality a pet at their proper weight can stay cool more easily. Overweight pets are more likely to become over heated because the extra layers of fat cause them to retain more heat in their bodies. However, even if your pet is at their proper weight take care that they do not over do it on those extra warm days. Also keep in mind that some pets are less tolerant of the heat than others. Older pets as well as puppies have a more difficult time regulating body temperature. Pets with ailments, whether temporary or chronic, are more susceptible to heat as well. Dogs with short snouts, such as pugs or bulldogs, are not able to pant as proficiently as those with full snouts limiting their ability to cool themselves, with these breeds of dogs it is wise to avoid the high heat of day whenever possible.

Most importantly, watch out for heatstroke. As with people, heatstroke in pets is a medical emergency. Even with immediate treatment heatstroke can be fatal. Without question prevention is the best medicine. Indications of heatstroke can be, panting, staring, anxious expression, will not obey commands, high fever, warm dry skin, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, and collapse. If you think your pet is suffering from heatstroke prompt action should be taken.  Make contact with a veterinarian immediately and it is imperative that the body temperature be lowered. Get them out of direct sun, soak a towel, t-shirt, or whatever is available in cool water and apply it to the hairless areas of their body such as their underbelly. Often the pet will respond to this treatment in a very short amount of time, however they may quickly relapse as their body temperature goes back up. Once your pet has suffered heatstroke veterinarian care is required. The treatment your veterinarian gives your pet may include, further action to lower the body temperature, intravenous fluids to hydrate and treat possible shock, and medications to help prevent brain damage.

While extreme temperatures can be hazardous to both you and your pet with some common sense and some simple precautions summer can be a time of great outdoor activities and fun for all.

You can find a great selection of pet supplies including travel bowels and sunscreen for pets at 

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