Cushing’s Syndrome(Disease) in Dogs

WHAT IS IT? Hyperadrenocorticism Hyper- overactive/high Adreno- adrenal gland Corticism- refers to adrenal cortex Cortisol- stress response Too much weakens immune system

DON’T GET IT CONFUSED WITH ADDISON’S DISEASE Hypoadrenocorticism “Cushing’s is crushing”

CAUSES Pituitary Gland Tumor Most common: 80-90% Benign or Malignant Macroadenomas >1cm Microadenomas < 1cm

CAUSES Adrenal Gland Tumor Also Iatrogenic Cushing’s Disease About 10-20% Adenoma vs. Carcinoma Also Iatrogenic Cushing’s Disease

EFFECTS ON BODY Liver Increases glucose production and release> Increases Insulin secretion Muscles Increases catabolic activity Bones Decreases osteoblast function Increases osteoclast function Kidneys Increases glomerular blood flow and filtration rate Hypertension

SYMPTOMS

TREATMENTS Pituitary Tumor Drugs Adrenal Tumor Surgery Trilosane (Vetoryl) Stops cortisol production Mitotane (Lysodren) Chemotherapy drug Destroys layers of adrenal cortex Adrenal Tumor Surgery Drugs before surgery to shrink tumor