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Encyclopedia on Pets

This archive article (written 2009–2016) contains advice that may be out of date and is waiting for veterinary review. Please check with your vet before acting on it. About our articles

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Cushing
Introducing a new cat to the household
Cushing's Disease?
Question What is Cushing's Disease?

Answer Cushing's disease is the common name for a disease called hyperadrenocorticism that most commonly affects people, dogs, cats, and ferrets. It's caused by a hyperactive adrenal gland that pumps too many steroids and other hormones into the bloodstream. It can be caused by a growth in the adrenal gland or the pituitary gland.

The adrenal gland produces a wide range of hormones, and Cushing's disease can cause the overproduction of any one or more of them. Because of this, the symptoms of the disease can vary widely, and they can be extremely subtle. In dogs, Cushing's disease will often cause the overproduction of hormones called glucocorticoids, which are steroids. This will cause some of a dog's muscle to break down, giving him a thin-legged, potbellied look.

It can also hurt a dog's ability to concentrate urine, making him drink a lot and produce a lot of urine. The steroids can suppress the immune system, as well, so dogs can sometimes get secondary infections. And the pancreas can be affected, causing vomiting and often diarrhea. Other symptoms include hair loss, calcified lumps under the skin, increased appetite, panting, and high blood pressure.

Unfortunately, Cushing's disease is difficult to diagnose. There is no one test to identify it. Veterinarians will generally perform several blood and urine tests and compare their results to normal levels. Treatment varies, based on how severe symptoms are and the general health of the animal. Two options are removing the growth that stimulates the hormone and prescribing medications that slow down production in the adrenal gland.

The good news is that Cushing's is in itself rarely life threatening. By weakening the immune system, it can make animals more vulnerable to other diseases, and it can cause fatigue and exercise intolerance. Sometimes it doesn't cause any symptoms at all. The main issue with the disease is whether it's damaging your pet's quality of life. If so, then consult with your veterinarian about the best way to help your pet return to a healthy, comfortable life.

What is congestive heart failure and how is it treated?
Answer

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition where the heart becomes weak and inefficient, usually due to an underlying disease such as heartworm, abnormalities of the heart muscle, or a genetic defect of the heart. It does not mean the heart stops beating, which is called cardiac arrest. The heart continues to work, but it doesn't pump blood very well.

In hypertrophy heart failure, the heart muscle becomes enlarged and begins to require more and more oxygen. When they can't get enough oxygen to meet their needs, heart cells begin to die, and the heart muscle weakens. In dilated heart failure, the heart pumps blood out very weakly and the chambers of the heart become filled with blood and enlarged, or dilated.

If the heart is unable to pump blood out effectively, pressure can build up in the lungs, resulting in a fluid buildup or congestion din the lungs that can cause difficulty breathing. Fluid can also build up under the skin, in the abdominal cavity, or in the chest cavity. Signs of this buildup of fluid include labored breathing, coughing, a low energy level, a lack of appetite, and fainting attacks.

Sometimes CHF can be cured by curing the disease that causes it. Animals who are treated for heartworm disease, for example, may recover well from CHF. CHF may not be curable in other animals, but veterinarians can use a combination of medications to make them more comfortable.

Veterinarians may prescribe diuretics, for example, which can remove from the body some of the excess fluid that causes swelling. There are also other cardiac drugs available, such as dioxin, which strengthens the heart muscle, and vasodilators, which dilate the blood vessels and make it easier for the heart to pump blood.