Cushings disease in dogs is also known as hyperadrenocorticism. Canine Cushings disease causes the dogs body to produce excessive amounts of corticosteroids. A common cause of canine Cushings disease is a tumor on the adrenal or pituitary gland.
Cushings disease in dogs causes high blood pressure, panting, increased urination, increased thirst, increased appetite, and patchy or uneven hair loss. The Cushing dogs skin is affected by the disease. The skin may develop calcified lumps, thinning, and may be prone to infection.
Blood tests are often used to diagnose Cushings disease in dogs. Treatments for Canine Cushings disease include medications and surgery to remove the tumor if that is the cause. Dogs diagnosed with Cushings disease have a shortened life expectancy even with treatment.
In addition to surgical treatment or other treatment suggested by the veterinarian, some dog owners feed their Cushings dogs a special diet. A diet for a Cushing's dog is high in protein and low in fat, fiber, and purine.
Hills Prescription i/d diet is formulated to treat gastrointestinal disorders, but it is also recommended for many other dog health problems including Cushings disease. Some experts suggest that the owner of a dog with Cushings disease avoid feeding the dog any manufactured food.
An alternative to commercial dog food is a raw food diet for Cushings dogs. The raw food diet for Cushings dogs should contain mostly raw meat and vegetables.
Many supplements and vitamins with antioxidants are marketed as treatment for Cushings disease, but a dog owner should consult the veterinarian before using these supplements. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and selenium are antioxidants that are thought to improve the negatively impact Cushings has on the immune system.
Some sources recommend foods high in potassium in a diet for Cushings dogs. Beans, broccoli, and potatoes with the skin are high in potassium. The dog should always have access to fresh water. The dogs water dish may need to be filled more often than usual.
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