| Cushings Disease in Dachshunds
What is it? Cushings disease/syndrome is a condition where the body produces too much hormone, particularly corticosteroids or cortisol. What causes it? The majority of the Cushings cases are caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary or adrenal glands which causes overproduction of a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone which stimulates the production of corticosteroids by the adrenal gland. Other cases have occurred as the result of over administration of corticosteroids like Prednasone. Typical Symptoms? Some of the typical symptoms of Cushings are, increased or excessive drinking, increased or excessive urination, an enlarged or distended abdomen, muscle weakness, hair loss or thinning hair, panting, weakening of the heart and skeletal muscles, obesity and chronic or frequent infections. Diagnosis and Treatment As with any suspected medical condition, you should contact your veterinarian if you become concerned about your pets health. As part of an examination for Cushings a veterinarian will usually perform a complete blood count and chemistry panel. These tests will normally suggest the existence of Cushings. To confirm it, a test known as a low dose dexamethasone test is done. A baseline blood sample is drawn in the morning, an injection of desamethasone given and a followup blood test done 8 hours later. In a normal dog, the dexamethasone should suppress cortisol levels in the blood stream. In Cushing's disease this effect does not occur. Once the disease is diagnosed, it's possible to differentiate between the adrenal tumors using a second test, a high dose dexamethasone suppression test. Most dogs with pituitary tumors will have cortisol suppression on this test. There are other tests used, including ACTH response tests and urine cortisol/creatinine ratios to diagnose this disease. X-rays and ultrasounds can help determine if an adrenal gland tumor is present. If it is determined that an adrenal gland tumor exists, it can be removed. The risks can be high and a specialist should be involved. In the case of a pituitary gland tumor, treatment is not removal, but medication. The most commonly prescribed medication is called Lysodren. Lysodren selectively kills the outer layer of the adrenal gland that produces corticosteroids. By administering it in proper amounts it is possible to kill just enough of the gland off to keep the production of corticosteroids to normal levels. Regular blood testing is necessary during treatment since overdoing it can cause severe problems with Addison's disease. Adverse reactions to Lysodren occur at times but it is the standard treatment at this time. Over medication with Lysodren can cause loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and weakness. If any of these signs occur then your veterinarian should be immediately notified. This type of treatment will not cure Cushings Disease but will improve the quality of life of your pet. For additional information regarding Cushings visit some of these recommended web sites: http://www.io.com/~lolawson/cushings/
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