Alopecia (fur loss) Due To Cushing’s

Signs associated with Cushing’s disease may include increased thirst and urination, a voracious appetite, an enlarged and sagging belly, hair loss, lethargy/weakness, panting, and sometimes, recurrent infections.

Cushing’s disease, also called Cushing’s syndrome or hyperadrenocorticism, results from an overproduction of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands, located next to the kidneys, and adrenal glands are stimulated to produce cortisol by the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. There are two types of Cushing’s disease. In adrenal-dependent Cushing’s disease, an adrenal gland overproduces cortisol because of an adrenal tumor. In pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease, the adrenal glands overproduce cortisol because they are overstimulated by a pituitary tumor.

Diagnosis

Cushing’s disease can be difficult to diagnose, especially in early cases. Tests that may be needed to diagnose Cushing’s disease include:

Treatment

Treatment consists of medication to control the cortisol overproduction by the adrenal gland or surgery to remove the abnormal adrenal gland. Choosing the best treatment for a pet with Cushing’s disease depends upon where the problem is in your pet’s body (i.e. pituitary or adrenal gland).

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