Cushing Disease: The Slow, Grumpy Older Dog
Drinks gallons, pot belly, hair loss, skin thinning - when "old age" is actually treatable disease.
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What it is
Over-production of cortisol (stress hormone), usually from a small benign pituitary tumour. Common in older small breeds (Dachshund, Poodle, Beagle).
Signs
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Increased hunger
- Pot-bellied appearance
- Hair thinning along trunk; black skin pigmentation
- Panting at rest
- Lethargy
- Recurrent skin/UTI infections
Why it gets missed
Owners attribute symptoms to ageing. By the time we see the dog, signs have been progressing 1-2 years.
Diagnosis
LDDS test, ACTH stimulation, urine cortisol:creatinine ratio, abdominal ultrasound. Multi-step but worthwhile.
Treatment
Daily oral medication (trilostane). Quarterly monitoring bloodwork. Symptoms improve dramatically over 2-3 months.
Prognosis
Well-managed Cushing dogs live their normal lifespan with good quality of life.
Frequently asked
Trilostane has good safety record with monitoring. We track quarterly to keep dose right.
Some mild cases yes. Most progress and reduce quality of life.
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