犬庫欣氏症（腎上腺皮質功能亢進）
庫欣氏症導致皮質醇過度產生，引起口渴、飢餓、脫毛和腹部膨大的外觀。
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when the body produces too much cortisol, a stress hormone. It's one of the most common endocrine disorders in middle-aged and older dogs. While not immediately life-threatening, untreated Cushing's causes serious complications including diabetes, blood clots, and infections. RVC can diagnose and manage Cushing's disease. Call +853 6677 6611.
- Cushing's disease causes excessive cortisol production
- Common signs: increased thirst/urination, increased appetite, pot belly, hair loss, thinning skin
- Most common in middle-aged and older dogs (7+ years)
- Two main types: pituitary-dependent (85%) and adrenal-dependent (15%)
- Diagnosis requires blood tests, urine tests, and sometimes imaging
- Treatment includes medication, surgery, or radiation depending on type
What is Cushing's Disease?
Cortisol is a hormone that helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress. In Cushing's disease, too much cortisol circulates in the body. Pituitary-dependent Cushing's (85% of cases): a benign tumor in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain over-stimulates the adrenal glands. Adrenal-dependent Cushing's (15%): a tumor in one or both adrenal glands produces cortisol independently. Iatrogenic Cushing's: caused by long-term steroid medication use.
Symptoms to Watch For
The most common signs are increased thirst (drinking more water), increased urination (accidents or needing to go out more), increased appetite (always hungry, stealing food), pot-bellied appearance (due to weakened abdominal muscles and fat redistribution), hair loss (especially on the body, not the legs), thin skin that bruises easily, recurrent skin infections, panting, and lethargy. Symptoms develop gradually — owners often mistake them for normal aging.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is not straightforward. Initial tests include: urine cortisol/creatinine ratio, ACTH stimulation test, and low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST). These blood tests challenge the adrenal-pituitary axis to see if cortisol regulation is normal. If Cushing's is confirmed, additional tests determine the type: abdominal ultrasound (looks at adrenal gland size), high-dose dexamethasone suppression test (distinguishes pituitary vs adrenal), and endogenous ACTH levels.
Treatment and Management
Pituitary-dependent: medical management with trilostane (Vetoryl) or mitotane (Lysodren). These drugs suppress cortisol production. Close monitoring is required — too much medication causes Addison's disease (cortisol deficiency). Blood tests every 2-4 weeks initially, then every 3 months. Adrenal-dependent: surgical removal of the adrenal tumor if benign and localized. Radiation therapy for pituitary tumors is available at specialty centers. Iatrogenic: gradual tapering of steroid medication under veterinary supervision.
- Excessive thirst and urination that persists for weeks
- Unexplained weight gain or pot-bellied appearance
- Hair loss or thin skin
- Recurrent skin or urinary tract infections
- Lethargy or reduced activity in a middle-aged dog
- Any combination of the above symptoms
RVC provides comprehensive testing and ongoing management for Cushing's disease. If your dog shows signs of increased thirst, appetite, or hair loss, schedule an evaluation at +853 6677 6611.
+853 6677 6611