The endocrine system is one of the largestriddles of our body. Almost all biochemical processes occurring in the body are tied to the endocrine glands, and the slightest change in the level of hormones leads to often irreversible consequences. If we talk about the field of veterinary medicine, then the most common is a disorder such as Cushing's syndrome. In dogs, most often this disorder occurs in old age, and today we will examine in detail what it is and how you can fight it. This article is for informational purposes only. In any case, you need to consult a doctor for diagnosis and choice of treatment regimen.
Это патология, которая встречается вовсе не так Rarely, as desired. There is a violation in the fact that the pituitary of an animal begins to release cortisol in too high quantities. This is a very important hormone that is the most powerful natural remedy for resisting stress. We will not dwell on the mechanism of the effect of this hormone on the body, let us just say that this substance mobilizes all the reserves to withstand the negative effects of the external environment.
Like, sheer good, why are we describingthis mechanism, talking about cushing syndrome in dogs? The fact is that the quantities of the hormone that begin to be released into the blood are redundant, even for an elephant. And the pituitary gland, which must control the amount of hormone produced, is completely shut off from this process. Because of this, your pet is facing extremely unpleasant consequences.
Cushing's syndrome in dogs leads to the fact thatchanging animal behavior. Brightly manifest mental disorders. The dog is tormented by constant, exhausting thirst. This creates a high load on the kidneys, and in addition, leads to excessive urination. This disorder may well be fatal, and quite quickly. The reason for this is easily explained in terms of physiology. The body is in a mobilized state, which means it wears out several times faster. In veterinary practice, there are examples when the state of the body of a three-year-old dog suffering from this disease is identical in terms of deterioration of the dog's body to 13-15 years old.
Let's talk now about how you cansuspect Cushing's syndrome in dogs. First of all, the owners pay attention to the increased appetite. The animal starts to gain weight very quickly. In parallel, you may notice a strong thirst and very frequent urination. The animal cannot tolerate for a long time and, despite the increased number of walks, it still pees at home.
In fact, this disease does not arise fromfrom nowhere, but gradually develops, and the symptoms are getting worse. The dog becomes weak and lethargic, drowsy, but demonstrates an excellent appetite. Stomach sags due to weakness of the abdominal muscles. There is very fast fatigue. Gradually baldness is added. Extensive skin areas are completely without hair. Most often these are areas on the body, but not on the head or legs. Itching is absent. If untreated, diabetes mellitus develops very soon against the background of this disease.
In fact, veterinarians haveseveral versions as to why dogs suffer from this hormonal disorder. However, the main cause is the tumor that affects the adrenal glands. Most often, doctors are trying to correct this condition with the help of surgery or drugs, which also have their side effects. However, this is not the only cause that can cause Cushing's syndrome in dogs. The photo shows us the external changes that occur with sick animals, but below we will return to the symptoms.
Another cause may be pituitary adenoma.Therefore, it will be necessary to examine both the pituitary and adrenal glands. However, after finding a tumor, the doctor is just beginning to work. It is also necessary to determine whether we are dealing with a benign or malignant lesion, and only then predict the course of treatment.
There are certain breeds, among representativeswhich the disease is more common than others. So, at risk are boxers and terriers of all kinds. This also includes dachshunds, bigley, poodles and basset hounds. Most often this disease is subject to adults who are 7-10 years old. At this age, doctors can only maintain the state of the body, as far as possible. However, Cushing's syndrome is also diagnosed and at a fairly young age - in dogs that are under two years old. The disease is very dangerous because it affects all organs and systems at once, and therefore, without proper treatment, there is a high probability of death of the animal, as well as a serious reduction in life expectancy with adequate treatment.
It is extremely important to reliably confirm the syndromeCushing in dogs. Diagnosis of this disease is very difficult, not all clinics are able to provide the necessary conditions for this. First of all, the doctor must examine the animal and take the necessary tests. Clinical and biochemical blood tests, as well as urine tests, in which it is important to check the protein level, will be indicative.
To clarify the picture, the doctor may prescribex-ray, which will show an increase in liver or mineralization of the adrenal glands. It is necessary to carry out an ultrasound to exclude a tumor of the adrenal glands. Proper diagnosis should not only confirm the Cushing's syndrome in dogs. The symptoms that will be treated in the next stage may be blurred, which means that it is extremely important to find the source of the problem.
This is a difficult and crucial moment.At this stage, the doctor must choose the most appropriate therapy. Restoration of cortisol, support for the work of all organs and systems - that is the main task that has been facing him since he diagnosed Cushing's syndrome. In dogs, treatment can take place in two ways.
The first is surgical.It is not shown to all animals, but only to those who have a tumor of the adrenal glands. In the case of pituitary adenoma, it is still more difficult, and the adrenal glands simply remove and prescribe life-long hormonal treatment for the animal.
The second way is medicamental.In this case, hormone therapy is used to normalize cortisol levels. This is the drug "Mitotan". Reception begins with a dosage of 50 mg per day per 1 kg of body weight. The daily dose is divided into 2-3 doses. The treatment lasts two weeks. The condition of the animal is controlled by a blood test. With a decrease in cortisol in the blood to acceptable levels, you need to switch to the dosage of the drug 50 mg / kg once a week.
The second option, which is often prescribed by doctors, -This drug "ketoconazole." First of all, it is prescribed to those animals who, against the background of Cushing's syndrome, develop fungal damage to the skin. Take this drug in the first week - 10 mg per 1 kg of weight (in two doses). The second week increase the dosage to 20 mg per 1 kg of weight (also in two doses). Finally, the third week of treatment suggests a daily dosage of 30 mg per 1 kg of weight.
First of all, reference points will be blood tests,Ultrasound and X-ray. However, there are indicators that the owner himself can assess. This is primarily a decrease in the amount of water consumed by the dog. However, it must be borne in mind that, against the background of therapy, the animal may develop complications. This is vomiting and increased weakness, lethargy and refusal to eat. Such symptoms may indicate associated disorders and diseases. Therefore, for the purity of the picture is necessary to conduct laboratory studies.
What you can hope for if diagnosedCushing's syndrome in dogs? How long do these patients live? These questions are often asked by the owners of veterinarians. It must be said that the described disease is only partially treatable. Most often, life expectancy, even after successful therapy, does not exceed 2-3 years. This is due to the fact that Cushing's syndrome is a systemic disease that affects all organs and systems and causes a number of irreversible changes. This is the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and nervous systems. In parallel, this disease reduces the body's resistance to various infections, and also provokes a significant increase in blood pressure.
