Premature aging signs? It could be Cushings
Cushings disease show some signs that are usually associated with "old pets" like loss of hair, thin skin and calcified or crusty lumps in the skin, but if your pet is older than 6 years old and is presenting some of these signs a veterinarian should perform the necessary laboratory tests to determine if it's Cushings disease.What is Cushings Disease?
Cushings disease consists in the overproduction of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is more common in dogs than in cats, but cats can be affected too.It generally affects older dogs, usually after they are 6 years old, but Cushings disease has been reported to affect younger dogs too.
Cats with Cushings often have very fragile skin, thinner than normal, they may show fragile blood vessels and may bruise easily.
There are 2 types of Cushings disease:
- Pituitary-dependent- this is when the pituitary overproduces the hormone which controls the amount of cortisol that the adrenal glands produce.
- Adrenal-dependent- this is when a tumor in the adrenal glads causes the overproduction of cortisol.
What are the signs of Cushings disease?
- Increased thirst/drinking and urination
- Increased appetite
- Pot-bellied abdomen
- Panting
- High blood pressure
- Loss of hair
- Calcified lumps in the skin
- Thinning skin and susceptibility to infections
Some less common signs of Cushings disease are:
- weakness
- abnormal way of walking
Because Cushings signs are not "Cushings specific" and can be found in other ailments, a veterinarian should perform several laboratory tests to diagnose the disease and rule out other causes.
What is the relationship between Cushings and Diabetes?
One of the normal functions of cortisol is to raise blood sugar, so the high cortisol levels keep the blood glucose levels high causing in some cases, a form of secondary diabetes. If this problem persists, it could cause permanent diabetes.About 80% of cats and 10% of dogs with Cushings are diabetic.
What is the relationship between Cushings and Urinary Tract Infections?
The large amount of cortisol suppresses the immune system and the pet is more susceptible to get bacterial infections in the bladder.Are there any breeds predisposed to Cushings?
Any dog or cat can be diagnosed with Cushings disease, but in dogs there are certain breeds that seem to be predisposed to Cushings, these are:- German Shepherd
- Scottland Terrier
- Dachshunds
- Boston Terriers
- Poodles
- Boxers
Recommended Product for Cushings disease
- Cushex Drops- They contain a blend of both herbal and homeopathic ingredients specially selected to treat Cushing's in pets. Each ingredient of this natural remedy has a specific role to play in normalizing adrenal function, balancing corticosteroid levels or reducing the troublesome symptoms of this condition.
© 2007. Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and runs the day-to-day operations of her business www.MindBodyAndPaw.com. Visit to learn how natural remedies and herbal supplements could prolong and improve your pet's life.