Cushing's Disease

Question 1

Cushing’s Disease

Answer 1

Hyperadrenocorticism
* excess cortisol in circulation
* cortisol produced by adrenal glands

Question 2

Cushing’s Disease
Spontaneous

Answer 2

Disease can develop from mass
* either on pituitary or adrenal gland
* dogs on topical or oral steriods may also present with signs (iatrogenic)

Question 3

Pituitary Mass

Answer 3

Normal: pituitary gland secretes ACTH; tells adrenal gland to continue making cortisol
* mass will continue sending signals to adrenal gland; increased cortisol

Question 4

Cushing’s
C/S

Answer 4

• Increased PU/PD
• Pot-belly appearance
• Hair loss
• Calcinosis cutis - calcium salt deposites onto skin / SQ tissue
• Increased panting
• +/- Hypertension

Question 5

Cushing’s BW Findings

Answer 5

• Marked elevated alkaline phosphate
• +/- Proteinuria
• Dilute urine
• Prone to UTI - culture and sensitivity recommended

Question 6

Cushing’s
Dog Testing

Answer 6

• ACTH Stimulation
• Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression - can help determine if pituitary or adrenal cause

Question 7

Cushing’s
Trilostane

Answer 7

Also called Vetoryl
* used for treatmet in dogs
* inhibits steroid synthesis
* usually doesn’t cause adrenal gland changes, but possible

Question 8

Cushing’s
Mitotane

Answer 8

Also called Lysodren
* used for treatment in dogs
* destroys part of the adrenal cortex to prevent cortisol production
* side effects and damage can lead to hypoadrenocorticism

Question 9

Cushing’s
Dog Treatment

Answer 9

Only recommended in dogs with clinical disease

Question 10

Cushing’s
in Horses

Answer 10

May have hirsutism
* abnormal long / wavy haircoat
* similar symptoms to dogs