Cushing – adrenal glands are overactive
Common Causes:
Excessive ACTH (Pituitary Dependent due to pituitary tumor or lesion of the hypothalamus
Adrenal Tumor (15%)
Iatrogenic (Drug induced) – steroids
- Polyphagia (excess eating, always hungry)-- is often the first symptom of the Cushings in an old dog
- Pot belly is often a symptom
- Pyoderma – postuls in the skin
- Polydipsia
- Polyuria
Diagnose – Blood, CBC Complete Blood Count, Cortisol,
Treatment: hypophysectomy (removal of the pituitary gland); adrenalectomy *removal of the adrenal gland
Medical adrenalectomy using lysogen
Remove adrenal tumor – glucocorticoids need to be replaced
See My Supporting Adrenal Health Nutrition & Natural Wellness Protocols For Dogs