New Customers Save 40% With Autoship:
Use Code:
NEW40
(Up to $40 Max Savings. Exclusions Apply.)
Symptoms of Cushing's Disease in Dogs and Cats
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Enter Your Information All fields are required
While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Thank you! Your question has been submitted.
You will receive an answer from Dr. Lindsay and our vet/tech team as soon as possible, usually the same day.
All answers are provided for informational or educational purposes only, and are intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your pet's veterinarian.
It may be necessary to consult your pet's veterinarian regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your pet's symptoms or medical condition.
CloseAsk the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Oops! Your question has not been submitted.
An error has occurred, please reload the page and try again.
CloseAsk the Vet
Got questions? Ask Our Vet Team:
While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.
Do these answer your question?
Showing of | See All
Have another question, or can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
We're Sorry!
There is no answer related to your question
Can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
Back
Many pets with Cushing's disease also develop bald patches over their sides, and their skin darkens. They bruise easily and develop patches of skin roughened with calcium (calcinosis cutis). Many have skin infections, including ringworm and demodex mites. Blood pressure rises and blood clots form in the brain and intestines. There are reproductive problems: in males the testicles shrink, and females do not have normal heat cycles.
Cushing's Disease Treatment for Dogs and Cats
Common symptoms of dogs and cats with Cushing's disease
- Bald patches on trunk
- Excessive drinking & urinating (PUPD)
- Ravenous appetite
- Swollen abdomen
- High blood sugar
- Darkened skin
- Ringworm & demodex infections
- Shrunken testicles
- Irregular heat cycles
Many pets with Cushing's disease also develop bald patches over their sides, and their skin darkens. They bruise easily and develop patches of skin roughened with calcium (calcinosis cutis). Many have skin infections, including ringworm and demodex mites. Blood pressure rises and blood clots form in the brain and intestines. There are reproductive problems: in males the testicles shrink, and females do not have normal heat cycles.
Which tests help diagnose Cushing's disease?
There are changes in white blood cells. For example, neutrophils increase, and eosinophils and lymphocytes decrease. Some pets also have increased monocytes and thrombocytes. Blood tests also show increased sugar levels (hyperglycemia), high liver enzymes (elevated ALT and AST), high blood lipids (hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia), high sodium (hypernatremia) and low potassium (hypokalemia).
The urine is usually dilute, and it may contain sugar and bacteria. As the kidneys lose the ability to hold protein (glomerulonephropathy), the urine will also contain proteins. Although pets with Cushing's disease have normal thyroid glands, thyroid hormones can be low because cortisol blocks the thyroid hormones from binding and entering cells.
The liver is enlarged, and the bones—especially the vertebrae in the spine—appear porous because they contain less calcium than healthy bones.
Live Chat