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.

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