Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome or canine hyperadrenocorticisim where an excessive amount of cortisol is being released from the adrenal glands into the body. It is the most common endocrine disorder of dogs, but may be left undiagnosed due to the symptoms of Cushing’s being mistaken for general ageing. It can be caused by a tumour in the pituitary gland (which controls the adrenal glands) or a tumour of one adrenal gland.
Symptoms
Clinical signs of Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s) include:
- Polydipsia (excessive drinking)
- Polyuria (excessive urination)
- Polyphagia (excessive appetite) - often results in scavenging or stealing.
- Pot-belly - due to fat deposition, weakness of abdominal muscles and an enlarged liver
- Thinning of the skin.
- Hair loss on the body, but not on the face and legs
- Excessive panting
- Lethargy
- Neurological signs can occur with a large pituitary tumour.
