Is Your Dog Aging, or is Something Else Affecting Your Pet?

Dogs are man's best friend, at least in this society. Our canines provide companionship, service to persons with disabilities and general protection. So how can we tell if our beloved dogs are just aging or if there is something more happening to their bodies?

Much like people, dogs can lose their eyesight, their mobility, and their moods change, maybe making a once vibrant young dog into one that finds comfort in being left alone. All of these symptoms are a part of the common Cushing's disease that affects many older dogs. Cushing's by definition happens when the pituitary gland at the base of the brain produces too much cortisol, a type of steroid, runs through the dog's bloodstream. When there is an excess of cortisol in your dog's system, it can affect a dog's muscle function and their ability to concentrate urine, thus, making dogs want an excess amount of water which in turn, allows them to urinate more often. Unfortunately, many owners think that if their dog's hair falls out and they lose control of bowel or renal function that it is time to euthanize their pet. On the bright side, Cushing's is very treatable and manageable. We can make our older dogs' lives comfortable if we just know the symptoms Cushing's disease displays and seek the treatment needed.

Symptoms of Cushing's Disease include:

Constant Thirst- Your dog will always want water, no matter how much you fill their water bowl. At times this can be a sign of diabetes and as we will learn, diabetes can accompany Cushing's.

Constant Hunger- Similarly with the need for water, your pet will feel like he/she is never satisfied, no matter how much food you give them. Regulating their food intake is vital since it can control blood sugar. Blood sugar will go off the charts if you constantly feed your pet which can lead to diabetes or contribute to an existing presence of diabetes.

Urinating All Over the House - Losing function of bowel and renal function is a prominent symptom of Cushing's. If once your pet asked to go outside and is now going everywhere in the house, you may want to schedule a trip and speak to your veterinarian.

Hair Loss - Losing hair is attributable to old age; however, it could mean that something more is happening to your pooch.

Diabetes and Seizures - In some cases, a dog may have a tumor at the site of their pituitary gland and if that tumor gets large enough it can cause your dog to seize. Additionally, diabetes can go hand in hand with Cushing's. Your veterinarian will have to do a series of blood test to determine if your dog has diabetes. If so, chances are you will be prescribed insulin and will be asked to do urine tests at different times of the day. My mother-in-law has a dog with Cushing's and she will have to inject small amounts of insulin into her dog and record her sugar levels twice a day. If her dog is showing extreme signs of Cushing's that she does not usually display (i.e. extreme lethargy) then she will do a urine strand test. Her dog does not have seizures. If your dog has been diagnosed as having a tumor, surgery may be required depending on the size of the tumor.

Other symptoms can include excessive panting, have high unusual energy levels, and susceptibility to infections due to an immune system deficiency. Please note that not all dogs will display all symptoms! You know your dog better than anyone, so any strange behavior will have to be monitored and reported to your veterinarian.

Treatments for Cushing's

Physical Exam and Blood Tests - In order to treat Cushing's it has to be diagnosed. Your veterinarian will do a physical examination to see if there is hair loss, calcified tumors on the skin, lethargy and will look for other symptoms as well. There will be a series of blood tests done since there is no one particular test that will determine if your pet has the disease.

Prescribed Drugs - Depending on the severity of the disease, your veterinarian may prescribe various drugs to help your dog.

Surgery - Your dog may have to have surgery if there is a tumor involved. Radiation may also occur instead of surgery.

You - You can be the best treatment. First recognize the symptoms and know when your dog is exhibiting behavior that is unusual and parallel with Cushing's. If your dog is thirsty, give her water and the same goes for food. You will have to be much more conscious about her bathroom habits as well. Different dogs have different symptoms and reactions to Cushing's. My mother-in-law's dog now is thriving and very happy. She is given her daily insulin shots and that is all she needs right now to regulate her Cushing's. With some drugs, your dog's symptoms may even go away! The important thing to remember is that Cushing's can be treated. Also, some dogs may show minimal signs of Cushing's while others may exhibit more. Research suggests that Cushing's typically can affect dogs 6 years of age or older. That does not mean that your dog will inevitably get Cushing's. Some of the symptoms listed above may be associated with other problems. Your veterinarian will be the best person to aid you and will give you more information. I find that when we go to doctors, it helps to have some background information and ask questions and be proactive in our health. This same approach can save our pets' lives as well and make them comfortable in their older years.