Cushing’s Disease in Dogs
There is no cure for Cushing’s disease, but it can be managed with medication. The type of medication that your dog will need will depend on the type of Cushing’s disease they have. Treatment typically involves lifelong medication, but it can help to improve your dog’s quality of life. A healthy diet can help to reduce the symptoms of Cushing’s disease and improve your dog’s overall health and well-being.
Cushing’s disease in dogs is a condition that occurs when the body produces too much of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. Cortisol has a number of important functions in the body, including regulating blood sugar levels, suppressing the immune system, and helping the body respond to stress.
There are two main types of Cushing’s disease in dogs: pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease and adrenal-dependent Cushing’s disease.
- Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease is the most common type of Cushing’s disease in dogs. It occurs when a tumor develops in the pituitary gland, which is a small gland located at the base of the brain. The tumor produces too much of the hormone adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal glands and stimulates them to produce more cortisol.
- Adrenal-dependent Cushing’s disease is less common than pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease. It occurs when a tumor develops in one or both of the adrenal glands. The tumor produces too much cortisol, which leads to the symptoms of Cushing’s disease.
The symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Muscle weakness
- Thinning skin
- Hair loss
- Slow wound healing
- Recurrent infections
- Lethargy
- Behavioral changes
Cushing’s Disease Myths:
Myth: Cushing’s disease is only a problem for older dogs.
Fact: Cushing’s disease can affect dogs of any age, but it is more common in older dogs. The average age of onset is 7-9 years old.
Myth: Cushing’s disease is not serious.
Fact: Cushing’s disease is a serious condition that can have a number of health consequences for dogs, including:
- Weight gain
- Muscle weakness
- Thinning skin
- Hair loss
- Increased thirst and urination
- Increased appetite
- Slow wound healing
- Recurrent infections
- Lethargy
- Behavioral changes
Myth: There is no treatment for Cushing’s disease.
Fact: There is no cure for Cushing’s disease, but it can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Medications that can be used to treat Cushing’s disease include:
- Trilostane
- Mitotane
- Ketoconazole
Lifestyle changes that can help to manage Cushing’s disease include:
- A healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding stress
Myth: Cushing’s disease is contagious.
Fact: Cushing’s disease is not contagious. It is a non-infectious condition that is caused by a tumor or an overactive pituitary gland.
Medication
The most common medications used to treat Cushing’s disease in dogs are:
- Trilostane: This medication blocks the production of cortisol. It is the most commonly used medication for treating Cushing’s disease in dogs.
- Mitotane: This medication destroys the adrenal glands, which produce cortisol. It is used to treat adrenal-dependent Cushing’s disease.
- Ketoconazole: This medication blocks the production of cortisol. It is not as effective as trilostane or mitotane, but it may be an option for dogs that cannot tolerate these medications.
Cushing Disease Dog Diet
A diet that is low in fat and carbohydrates can help to reduce the symptoms of Cushing’s disease. It is important to talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your dog.
Dog Food Companies That Have a Cushing Disease Dog Diet
Here are the dog food companies that have a Cushing Disease Dog Diet:
Sunday For Dogs LINK
Sunday For Dogs is a subscription-based dog food company that offers a variety of recipes, including one for dogs with Cushing’s disease. The food is made with high-quality ingredients and is free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Ollie LINK
Ollie is another subscription-based dog food company that offers a variety of recipes, including one for dogs with Cushing’s disease. The food is made with human-grade ingredients and is cooked in small batches to ensure freshness.
PetPlate LINK
PetPlate is another subscription-based dog food company that offers a variety of recipes, including one for dogs with Cushing’s disease. The food is made with fresh, human-grade ingredients and is delivered to your door every week.
Just 4 Dogs LINK
Just 4 Dogs is a holistic dog food company that offers a variety of recipes, including one for dogs with Cushing’s disease. The food is made with natural ingredients and is free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
It is important to talk to your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet. They can help you determine if a Cushing Disease Dog Diet is right for your dog and can recommend a specific food.
Exercise
Regular exercise can help to improve your dog’s overall health and well-being. It can also help to reduce some of the symptoms of Cushing’s disease, such as weight gain and muscle weakness.
Monitoring
Your dog will need to be monitored closely by your veterinarian while they are being treated for Cushing’s disease. This is important to make sure that the medication is working and that your dog is not experiencing any side effects.
Prognosis
The prognosis for dogs with Cushing’s disease is good with proper treatment. Most dogs will live a normal life span with this condition. However, some dogs may experience side effects from the medication or other complications of the disease. It is important to talk to your veterinarian about the risks and benefits of treatment so that you can make the best decision for your dog.
There is no one-size-fits-all diet for dogs with Cushing’s disease, but there are some general guidelines that can help. The goal of a diet for a dog with Cushing’s disease is to:
- Reduce the amount of cortisol in the body.
- Help to manage weight gain.
- Improve skin and coat health.
- Reduce the risk of other health problems.
Some of the things to consider when choosing a diet for a dog with Cushing’s disease include:
- The type of food. A high-quality, complete and balanced diet is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for dogs with Cushing’s disease. Look for a food that is made with natural ingredients and that is free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
- The fat content. A diet that is low in fat can help to reduce the amount of cortisol in the body. Look for a food that has no more than 10% fat on a dry matter basis.
- The carbohydrate content. A diet that is low in carbohydrates can help to reduce weight gain and improve skin and coat health. Look for a food that has no more than 40% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.
- The protein content. A diet that is high in protein can help to maintain muscle mass and improve overall health. Look for a food that has at least 22% protein on a dry matter basis.
- The fiber content. A diet that is high in fiber can help to regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion. Look for a food that has at least 5% fiber on a dry matter basis.
It is important to talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your dog with Cushing’s disease. They can help you create a diet that meets your dog’s individual needs and helps to manage their condition.
Tips for Feeding a Dog with Cushing’s Disease:
- Feed your dog twice a day. This will help to keep their blood sugar levels stable.
- Avoid giving your dog table scraps or treats. These are often high in fat and carbohydrates, which can worsen the symptoms of Cushing’s disease.
- Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. Cushing’s disease can cause increased thirst, so it is important to make sure your dog is hydrated.
- Monitor your dog’s weight regularly. If your dog starts to gain weight, talk to your veterinarian about adjusting their diet.
- Keep an eye on your dog’s skin and coat. Cushing’s disease can cause dry, itchy skin and hair loss. If you notice any changes in your dog’s skin or coat, talk to your veterinarian.
With proper diet and care, dogs with Cushing’s disease can live long and healthy lives.
Nutritional Supplements for Cushing’s
There are a number of food and nutritional supplements that may be helpful for dogs with Cushing’s disease. Some of the most common supplements include:
- Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It has been shown to help reduce the production of cortisol in dogs with Cushing’s disease.
- Lignans: Lignans are a type of plant compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They may be helpful for reducing the symptoms of Cushing’s disease, such as skin problems, hair loss, and weight gain.
- Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that are similar to the beneficial bacteria that naturally live in the gut. They may be helpful for improving gut health and reducing inflammation in dogs with Cushing’s disease.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that are beneficial for overall health. They may be helpful for reducing inflammation, improving skin and coat health, and reducing the risk of other health problems in dogs with Cushing’s disease.
Here are some final thoughts on managing Cushing’s disease in dogs:
- It is important to work with your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan that is right for your dog. This may include medication, diet changes, and exercise.
- Be patient. It may take some time to find the right treatment plan and for your dog to start to feel better.
- Be supportive. Cushing’s disease can be a challenging condition for both dogs and their owners. Be patient and understanding, and provide your dog with plenty of love and support.
Cushing’s disease is a chronic condition that can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. With proper care, dogs with Cushing’s disease can live long and healthy lives.