Cushing Disease?

[punkytail]

Can someone tell me what cushing disease is and what does it do to a dog, and what causes it?

[Lize]

Here's some links you can go check out, hope you find it helpful

http://www.vetinfo.com/dcushing.html

http://www.users.voicenet.com/~howard/cushings.html

http://www.geocities.com/labsr4ulist/pawcushings.htm

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/cushings.html

[punkytail]

Thank you for the info, I will look it up!

[RWDVM]

Dear punkytail:

Cushing's Disease is caused by a benign but functional tumor of the pituitary gland. This tumor results in the overproduction of adrenal gland stimulating hormone by the pituitary gland, which over stimulates the adrenal gland to produce too much of the hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol leads to metabolic disturbances, hair loss, loss of lean muscle mass, chronic skin infections, fat deposition, diabetes, over-taxing of multiple organs, and more.

Disease is confirmed with a simple bood test called the low dose dexamethasone suppression test. Treatment is administration of a 10 day once daily loading dose of a drug called Lysodren, followed by once weekly administration for life. Prognosis is favorable with treatment.

Good luck! Please visit my website when you have a chance.

Roger L. Welton, DVM
Veterinarian, Webmaster http://www.askdvm.com

[Lady_Bug]

Supposenly my miniature poodle has cushings. She has gained tremendous weight and she doesnt eat a whole lot of food. Its kind of sad.