|
 I
was told I had Cushing’s disease
about 4 years ago. My parental units
took me to my veterinarian because I
seemed to be gaining weight, panting
excessively and drinking more water
which was leading to accidents in
the house. That was so not me. As
Cushing’s disease can look like the
normal aging process, I had a series
of tests done to find out what was
wrong. Your parental units know you
so even if the veterinarian says
that it is just a part of getting
older; encourage them to insist on
the tests.
My parental units did not
know about Cushing’s disease so they
did some research to figure out what
was the best course of action for
me. Each dog is different so you
need to have a conversation with
your veterinarian specifically about
your pal.
What they learned was,
adjacent
to each kidney is one of two tiny
adrenal glands. (In the canine, the
adrenal glands are about the size of
a pea.) The adrenal glands secrete
several very important hormones.
They secrete corticosteroid and sex
steroid hormones. There was a lot
more technical stuff about anatomy
so if you are interested you will
need to “Google” Cushing’s Disease
in Canines.
Cushing's disease results when the
cortex of the adrenal glands
produces too much of the body's own
natural glucocorticoid or cortisol.
Signs to watch for: Excessive
urination, thirst, hunger, weakness,
and panting (these may also be signs
of diabetes): enlarged abdomen
(looks like a pot-bellied pig), hair
thinning that is equal on both sides
of the body: and weakness.
Depending on the cause there are
several options for treating this
disease; one being surgery and the
other, again depending on the cause,
medication. They are now two drugs
available to treat Cushing’s:
Lysodern and Vetory. You need to
follow the strict guidelines in
administering these drugs as there
can be severe, life threatening
results from an overdose.
Right now my Cushing’s disease is
manageable without treatment, (my
parents’ choice at this time) and I
am doing fine. So if you suspect
that something is just not right
with your pal, make sure and talk
with your veterinarian.
To Your Health,
Mickey |
