Stages Of Cushing S Syndrome In Dogs

Cushing s disease also known as hyperadrenocorticism occurs when the body produces too much cortisol.

Stages of cushing s syndrome in dogs. The disease can progress slowly and dogs may not appear to be seriously ill for a long time. This hormone plays a broad role in canine health including helping to regulate body weight and fat reserves skin health blood sugar levels muscle structure and. Cushing s disease is a naturally occurring syndrome but it can also be caused by administering excessive amounts of prednisone or dexamethasone for prolonged periods. Cushing s disease also known as hyperadrenocorticism and cushing s syndrome is an endocrine disorder caused when a dog s adrenal glands produce too much of the cortisol hormone.

This disease is characterised by cortisol overproduction in the adrenal glands. Cushing s syndrome happens when your dog s body makes too much of a hormone called cortisol. The type of cushing s disease may determine what kind of treatment is prescribed. This chemical helps him respond to stress control his weight fight infections and keep his blood sugar levels in check but too much or too little of it can cause problems.

In the other 15 20 percent of cushing s dogs a tumor in one or both adrenal glands produces excess cortisol.