You should know: Cushing’s Disease

Reggie had some symptoms that pointed to a common but dangerous ailment. With meds, the beagle is back to his happy self.

​Reggie is a 12-year-old beagle who was exhibiting some very specific symptoms. His humans, Karen and Brian, had him tested for Cushing’s disease, but the test came back inconclusive. 
 
Cushing’s disease, which is more scientifically known as hyperadrenocorticism, is an endocrine disorder found in many species, including humans. Cats can also get Cushing’s, although it is not as common as in dogs.
 
The disease is frequent in middle-aged and senior dogs, and is especially prevalent in some breeds, including poodles, dachshunds, boxers, Boston terriers and beagles, like Reggie.
 
It occurs when the body produces too much cortisol, the stress hormone, which can lead to a variety of health issues over time.
 
“He was fairly lethargic and just constantly drinking water,” says Brian. “I'm not talking about a little bit of extra water. I mean gallons and gallons and having to go pee every half an hour – through the night, too."
 
He was also panting excessively.

Reggie recently went in to have a nine-pound tumour removed from his hip – it was like a bowling ball for a 40-pound dog, says Brian. 

​Reggie also has diabetes insipidus, which is not related to blood sugar (like diabetes mellitus), but involves problems with the hormone that helps the kidneys manage water. As a result, Reggie had very high sodium levels.
 
Given the diabetes insipidus and suspicions around Cushing’s, the doctors decided at the same time to try Reggie out on medications for both conditions to see if it would assist with his symptoms.
 
That was a month ago and, within days, Karen and Brian saw their energetic pup return. 
 
"He just seemed to bounce back," says Brian. 
 
Reggie’s energy is back and, while he might be drinking and peeing a little more than normal, it is a massive reduction from a month ago.

​Side effects from the new meds?
 
"He might be a little more stubborn,” Brian laughs. “He's not quite as obedient maybe. I don't know if that has anything to do with the medication or not. It could just be him getting older and thinking he doesn't have to do what I say."

They thought Reggie might have been suffering hearing loss, but it turns out he was just ignoring them.

“If you open the fridge as quietly as possible, he'll come running,” Brian says. “He just doesn't respond when you say, ‘Reggie, stop!’"

Detected early, pets can live long and healthy lives with Cushing’s. However, if not diagnosed and addressed, the disease can lead to serious health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney infections, and other serious complications.
 
“Cushing’s disease is typically caused by one of a few specific origins,” says Dr. Guy Arad, a veterinarian with the RAPS Animal Hospital. “The most common cause is a pituitary tumour, which is a benign growth on the pituitary gland that sends signals to the adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol.”

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Another cause can be overuse of steroids.
 
Outward symptoms of Cushing’s disease are somewhat general and can indicate a number of underlying conditions, any of which should be brought to a veterinarian’s attention. 
 
“The most common things to watch out for as early indicators of Cushing’s,” says Dr. Arad, “are an increase in thirst and urination, increased appetite, a pot-bellied appearance, hair loss or thinning hair, panting, lethargy and recurring skin infections.” 
 
If your dog has any of these indicators, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Diagnosis often involves blood work, urine tests, and sometimes imaging such as ultrasound.
 
“Cushing’s disease is manageable,” he says. Medications, possible surgery in cases of adrenal tumours, and routine monitoring to manage symptoms and medication levels can ensure a long, healthy and happy life.
 
If you notice changes in your dog’s behaviour, weight, or appearance, don’t assume it’s just “old age.” 
 
“It’s always better to err on the side of caution,” says Dr. Arad. “Catching potential conditions early means a greater chance of minimizing the impacts and keeping pets healthier longer.”