Hyperadrenocorticism in dogs: diagnosis and treatment

Hyperadrenocorticism is a chronically elevated level of the hormone cortisol in the blood. In the veterinary environment, the term "Cushing's syndrome" is often used for simplicity of description. Cortisol is produced by the outer layer of the adrenal glands under the influence of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), adversely affects the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Hyperadrenocorticism in dogs can develop for the following reasons:

1. Tumors of the pituitary gland that synthesize excessive ACTH, which in 80-85% of cases leads to hyperplasia of the adrenal glands.
2. Long-term use of glucocorticoids.
3. Adenoma or adenocarcinoma of the adrenal cortex, which produces excessive cortisol.

Hyperadrenocorticism affects middle-aged and elderly children. Taxis, poodles and jack russell terriers are especially prone to developing the disease. Pituitary hyperadrenocorticism is equally common in animals of both sexes. Diseases of adrenal etiology in 60-65% of examinations are found in females.

Symptoms and diagnosis of the disease

Elevated cortisol levels in dogs can be suspected by the following symptoms:

• Low load endurance.
• Insatiable thirst.
• Frequent urination.
• Increased abdominal volume.
• Alopecia.
• Skin thinning.
• Comedones.
• Deposition of calcium salts in the epidermis.
• Prolonged period of zero levels of sex hormones (in females).
• Reducing the size of the testicles (in dogs).
• Muscle spasm on all four or only on the hind limbs.

To make a diagnosis, veterinarians perform clinical and biochemical blood tests, as well as a stimulating ACTH test and a urine test. Auxiliary diagnostic methods are radiography and ultrasound.

Treatment of hyperadrenocorticism

An effective and safe method of treatment is drug therapy, selected by a doctor, according to the results of the analysis.

Therapy, properly selected by a qualified veterinarian, prolongs the life of patients and improves its quality.