Cushing’s disease is a fairly widespread illness that mostly affects senior dogs, with some studies suggesting around 1-2% of dogs over 8 years old may develop the condition (1). Though younger dogs can get it, too.
This article explores more about Cushing’s disease including the different types of the illness, what symptoms to watch out for, as well as diagnosis, treatment, and ways to support your pooch.
Cushing's disease in dogs refers to a condition where a tumour that sits on your dog's pituitary gland causes them to produce too much of the Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH). This hormone is the one responsible for telling their adrenal glands to produce cortisol (the stress hormone).
Whilst Cortisol is referred to as ‘the stress hormone’, it’s not as negative as it seems. Stress is actually vital for the body’s functioning, in humans as well as dogs.
Cortisol regulates not only stress, but also metabolism and immune function - so when the body releases too much cortisol it can cause all kinds of issues. Being able to balance cortisol levels when they go off-kilter is integral for overall health and wellbeing.
Cushing’s disease is actually a form of Cushing’s Syndrome.
Where Cushing’s disease refers to the overproduction og ACTH, Cushing’s Syndrome is the overarching term which refers to the presence of excess production of cortisol. This can be from either Cushing’s disease or the types caused by adrenal gland tumours or prolonged steroid use.
The terms are used interchangeably in the same way we refer to Alzheimer’s disease for the specific, dementia-related illness, but ‘dementia’ is the broader term for conditions involving memory loss.
There are three different types of cortisol-related illnesses under the Cushing’s syndrome umbrella, all with their own causes.
Look out for the following indicators that your pooch might have Cushing’s disease/syndrome.
Cortisol levels do slowly creep up as a dog gets older, meaning a lot of the symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome do resemble the signs of ageing.
However, the symptoms of Cushing’s are more severe and will come on more quickly in a noticeable shift, while signs of ageing (peeing more often, gaining weight, reduced energy) will happen gradually over the years.
Treatment for Cushing’s conditions depends on the type, and is more about managing your dog’s symptoms than curing it.
Here is how Cushing’s syndrome is likely to be diagnosed and then treated by your vet.
Diagnosis of Cushing’s disease or other cortisol-related conditions needs to be thorough and have several stages, as the symptoms can so easily be mistaken for other health conditions.
Yes, some breeds are more susceptible, particularly to Cushing’s disease as it’s the most common type of Cushing’s syndrome.
Dog breeds that are prone to Cushing’s disease include:
It’s also more common in all older dogs, regardless of breed, and dogs who have been medicated with long-term steroids are more prone to Iatrogenic Cushing’s, regardless of breed.
Pituitary and adrenal tumours develop spontaneously with no real cause, so there isn’t really anything that can be done to prevention Cushing’s disease.
Only latrogenic Cushing’s syndrome has a known cause of prolonged steroid use, so be sure to closely follow veterinary guidance if your pooch needs steroids for a particular health issue.
Looking after a dog with Cushing’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome is about improving their quality of life; managing symptoms and keeping cortisol levels as controlled as possible.
Plus, how you treat it depends on the type of Cushing’s your dog has.
A dog with Cushing’s will also need extra care to manage any infections, skin complaints or other issues caused by high cortisol.
Give your pooch lots of love and affection, keep them active, and feed them nutritious, balanced dog food that supports their skin and coat, gut microbiome and immune system, so they can feel strong and well from the inside out.
There isn’t a full cure for Cushing’s disease; treatment is about managing your dog’s symptoms and giving medication to balance their high cortisol levels.
With the right treatment and care, your dog can still live a good life - many dogs live for several years after discovering they have it (depending on their age at the time of diagnosis).
There is one caveat that could be considered a ‘cure’; in adrenal-dependent Cushing’s, sometimes an adrenal gland with a tumour is removed early enough that symptoms stop completely.
If caught early and your dog responds well to medication and support, they can live for around 3-4 years after diagnosis.
If they aren’t treated, however, Cushing’s syndrome can prove fatal in less than a year - so getting the right medication is truly life-saving for a dog.
Bear in mind that if the dog is already quite old when they’re diagnosed, that can also have an impact.
Though a well-balanced diet and natural supplements can be an excellent support for your dog with Cushing’s disease or syndrome, the condition shouldn’t be treated with natural remedies alone.
If your dog has a diagnosis from a vet, they can recommend a treatment plan that will help balance their cortisol levels and manage their symptoms, ultimately lengthening their life expectancy.
There is no full cure for Cushing’s conditions, so keeping your pooch comfortable, well-fed and active, and booked in with regular vet check-ups is the best thing for them.
Keeping your pooch in general good health is the best route to supporting them through Cushing’s, so a well-balanced diet packed with nutritious whole ingredients is key (especially as an increased appetite is one of the symptoms!).
Our grain-free Skin & Coat Dry Food For Dogs contains ingredients to benefit a dog with Cushing’s - such as soothing omega-rich Herring, Biotin for strong hair, skin and nails, prebiotics and probiotics for a harmonious gut and immune system, and Collagen for skin resilience.
Drizzling our Salmon Oil For Dogs over their food, or trying out our Gut-Skin Support Supplement could also help boost your dog’s immune system, skin health and overall wellbeing and mood.
But remember, the best way to get the utmost out of your dog's supplements is to assess their health on the inside with a Gut Health Test.
If your dog has Cushing’s syndrome, try our range of nutritious grain-free dog food for skin and coat - full of delicious recipes, dog treats and gut-friendly supplements to support a pooch’s coat and skin. Always consult a vet before trying new foods for your dog’s health condition.
of gifts selected
Comments (0)
Leave a comment