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The Cushing’s disease typically afflicts dogs, but can also victimize cats and ferrets. It happens when a tumor occurs in either the adrenal gland or the pituitary gland. These two glands work together in producing the cortisol hormone. This particular hormone is better known as adrenaline.

The pituitary gland releases the ACTH, which instructs the adrenal gland to produce adrenalin. This adrenalin is needed by the body to face stress. When enough adrenalin has been produced, the pituitary sends another signal instructing the adrenal to stop producing this hormone. Such important function is disrupted when a tumor happens in either of the glands.

A tumor in the adrenal gland is called the “primary Cushing’s disease” while a tumor in the pituitary gland is called the “secondary Cushing’s disease”. Early symptoms that can be observed in pets are the following:
· Lethargy
· Excessive thirst
· Eating too much
· Too much urination
· Thinning of the hair coat
· Painful lesions on the skin
· A protruding abdomen that gives a pot belly look

If the pet displays even three of the symptoms listed above, it should be immediately brought to the animal doctor for a proper diagnosis. Diagnosing whether a dog has the primary or secondary one will take some blood tests. Then, the treatment will depend on the result of the diagnosis.

The primary Cushing’s disease is malignant and cancerous. And surgery is the only way to address it. The surgery, however, can be delicate and dangerous. This is because the adrenal glands are almost adjacent to other vital organs. If the tumor is removed, then the disease can be considered healed. In some cases, however, the surgery fails.

The secondary Cushing’s disease, which is the occurrence of tumor in the pituitary gland, is also called pituitary dependant hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). It is characterized by the over-secretion of the ACTH, which in turn, over-produces the adrenalin. This tumor is considered benign and poses no threat to the life of the pet. And there are three identified treatment: Lysodren, Anipryl, and Ketoconazole.

Of the three medications, the most popular is the Lysodren. This is administered everyday for two weeks. Then, after two weeks, the blood is tested again, to determine of the levels of ACTH have gone down. But Lysodren can produce side effects such as vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. If any of these side effects occurs, the use of Lysodren should be discontinued. The vet will most likely switched to one of the two other medications.

If the Lysodren, however, is effective, the dog (or cat) is given maintenance doses of two times a week.