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Lysodren destroys the layers of the adrenal gland that produce cortisol. In the past, veterinarians often used a chemotherapy drug approved for people called Lysodren (mitotane) "off-label" to treat Cushing's in dogs. Only one other drug, Anipryl (selegiline), is FDA-approved to treat Cushing's disease in dogs, but only to treat certain cases caused by a pituitary tumor. Occasionally, more serious side effects, including bloody diarrhea, collapse, severe sodium/potassium imbalance, and destruction of the adrenal gland may occur, and may result in death. The drug's most common side effects are poor or reduced appetite, vomiting, lack of energy, diarrhea, and weakness. takes certain medications used to treat heart disease.Vetoryl should not be given to a dog that This prescription drug works by stopping the production of cortisol in the adrenal glands. Vetoryl (trilostane) is the only drug approved by FDA to treat both pituitary- and adrenal-dependent Cushing's in dogs. "Monitoring blood tests and response to treatment help determine the right dose, which may need to be adjusted periodically."įrequent blood tests and veterinary checkups are usually required in the first few months after starting treatment and then every few months after that, depending on the dog's response to treatment and tolerance to the medication. "It's important for a veterinarian to see the dog regularly and do blood tests," Stohlman says. Surgical techniques to remove pituitary tumors in dogs are being studied, but surgery is not a widely available option.Īlthough Cushing's is typically a lifelong condition, the disease usually can be managed with medications. However, because of the complexity and risks of the surgery, most cases are treated with medication. The only way to "cure" Cushing's disease is to remove the adrenal tumor if the disease is adrenal-dependent and the tumor hasn't spread, says Stohlman. Most veterinarians treat both adrenal- and pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease with medication. enlargement of the abdomen, resulting in a "pot-bellied" appearance.The disease develops slowly and the early signs are not always noticed. Signs of Cushing's DiseaseĬushing's disease typically occurs in middle-aged to older dogs. They may also use an ultrasound to help detect a tumor on an adrenal gland. Veterinarians use blood tests to diagnose Cushing's and to differentiate between disease caused by the pituitary or the adrenals. The type of Cushing's disease may determine what kind of treatment is prescribed. In the other 15% to 20% of Cushing's dogs, a tumor in one or both adrenal glands produce excess cortisol. The pituitary tumor causes overproduction of ACTH, which travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal glands, stimulating them to produce more cortisol than the body needs.

The pituitary makes a number of hormones, including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). About 80% to 85% of Cushing's is pituitary-dependent, meaning it's triggered by a tumor on the pituitary, a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain. In dogs, Cushing's disease occurs naturally and is either pituitary-dependent or adrenal-dependent.

Cortisol also helps to fight infections and maintain proper body weight and condition.īut too much cortisol weakens the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to other diseases and infections. "Cortisol is one of the body's natural steroids," says Ann Stohlman, V.M.D., a veterinarian in FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine, adding that a normal amount of cortisol helps the body adapt in times of stress. Cortisol is produced and stored by the adrenals, two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys. Cushing's disease results when the body produces too much of a hormone called cortisol. A visit to the vet and some diagnostic tests confirm that he has hyperadrenocorticism, commonly known as Cushing's disease or Cushing's syndrome. Plus, he's losing hair and has a pot-bellied appearance. Your nine-year old dog has been drinking a lot more lately and eating everything in sight.