The Meowing Vet’s June 2018 Newsletter condenses the top points from our May articles that pet owners should keep in mind as well as provides a preview of our upcoming blog topics for the month of June!
The Meowing Vet will begin a summer hiatus from June 21 – July 1.
Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism) in Dogs: The Potbelly Disease of Canines
May 7, 2018
- Hyperadrenocorticism, commonly called Cushing’s Disease, is an endocrine disorder in which the adrenal glands produce an excess amount of certain hormones, primarily cortisol (the main hormone released during periods of stress).
- Cushing’s Disease may arise from either an adrenal gland tumor or due to a tumor of the pituitary gland in the brain, which controls adrenal gland hormone production. It most commonly affects certain dog breeds (click the link above to learn which dogs are most typically affected).
- Common clinical signs include a potbelly appearance, panting, excessive water consumption and urination, increased appetite, hair loss, skin infections, blackheads, and firm plaque formation in the skin (calcinosis cutis).
- Diagnosis can be complicated, but please bear with your vet as a series of diagnostic tests are performed. Cushing’s Disease is important to diagnose as if left untreated, it can predispose pets to urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes mellitus, liver impairment, high blood pressure, and blood clot development.
- Depending on whether or not the condition arises from a problem with the adrenal glands themselves or due to an underlying pituitary gland problem, a combination of lifelong medications and/or surgery is advised.
Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism) in Dogs: When Low-Stress Becomes Stressful
May 18, 2018
- Hypoadrenocorticism, or Addison’s Disease, is an endocrine system abnormality in which the adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of vital hormones, primarily aldosterone (which controls the body’s fluid balance and certain electrolyte levels) and cortisol (which is necessary to aid the body in handling stress).
- This condition most commonly occurs in certain dog breeds (click the link above to discover which dogs are most at risk) and prevents them from dealing with stressful situation well, be it concurrent diseases or environmental stressors. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, additional stresses placed on the body can cause affected dogs to enter an Addisonian crisis, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate veterinary intervention.
- Signs that your dog may have Addison’s Disease include weakness and lethargy, increased thirst and urination, decreased appetite, possible weight loss, and vomiting and/or diarrhea.
- Fortunately, diagnosis and treatment of Addison’s Disease are both fairly straightforward. However, your pet will require lifelong medical therapy.
- Temporary Addison’s Disease (known as iatrogenic Addison’s) can occur in dogs and cats who have been receiving long-term, high-dose corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone or prednisolone) that are abruptly stopped without a gradual tapered dose regimen. Unless otherwise directed by your vet, always slowly taper your pet off steroid medications to avoid such a problem.
Preview of The Meowing Vet’s upcoming article topics for the month of June: (topics or order subject to change)
- June 7: Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs & Cats
The Meowing Vet will begin a summer hiatus from June 21 – July 1.
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xoxo
Maranda Elswick, DVM
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