The noticeable signs of Cushing’s syndrome are very similar to those associated with the ageing process, these include:
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It is difficult to say what impact Cushing’s could have on each individual dog’s behaviour. Certainly behaviour in relation to eating and drinking may change, including increased food aggression; or showing appeasing behaviour after soiling in the house. Equally, lethargy and lack of exercise tolerance are known clinical signs of Cushing’s.
Behavioural / mental changes such as mood swings and depression are known clinical signs of Cushing’s in human patients. It is equally recognised that when humans are given synthetic corticosteroids (which act in the same way as cortisol), there may be behavioural side effects as a result. Those reported include mild effects such as restlessness, irritability and insomnia, to depression and more severe psychiatric disturbances including psychosis and hallucinations.
Effects in humans appear to be dose dependant and generally resolve once the medicine is stopped1
REFERENCE - 1 Ciriaco et al 2013 Corticosteroid related central nervous systems side effects Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics .
Yes there are many other diseases which can produce signs such as drinking more and lethargy. However the greater the amount of clinical signs your dog shows, the increased chance of Cushing’s being present.
Examples of other conditions which may present in a similar way to Cushing’s include hormonal diseases such as an underactive thyroid or diabetes, infections such as a pyometra, and organ malfunction such as kidney or liver disease.
Your vet will perform investigations to discover what is causing the unique set of signs your dog is displaying and given some of the conditions listed above can be life-threatening, we always recommend that you visit your vet if you are concerned about your pet.
Does my dog require a special diet for treatment?
It is difficult to know if Cushing’s causes pain in our pet dogs. When turning to humans as a guide, pain isn’t listed as a common clinical sign. However, mood swings, such as feeling depressed or anxious, are a known sign of Cushing’s in people.
As pets are unable to tell us how they are feeling, it is important that if there is a suspicion of Cushing’s, this is acted upon so that any negative impact Cushing’s is minimised.
When your veterinary surgeon suspects Cushing’s syndrome, they will perform blood and urine tests to confirm the diagnosis.
For more information on the process of diagnosis please click here
There are a number of potentially life-threatening conditions which can occur as a result of Cushing’s. These include:
However, the major impact of Cushing’s is seen in a reduction the quality of life of dogs with the condition. As Cushing’s is progressive, the symptoms your dog may be displaying are likely to worsen. Therefore, although prevention of more serious consequences is beneficial, it is the improvement in symptoms and quality of life which is the reason most owners chose to treat.
There are a number of potentially life-threatening conditions which can occur as a result of Cushing’s. These include:
However, the major impact of Cushing’s is seen in a reduction the quality of life of dogs with the condition. As Cushing’s is progressive, the symptoms your dog may be displaying are likely to worsen. Therefore, although prevention of more serious consequences is beneficial, it is the improvement in symptoms and quality of life which is the reason most owners chose to treat.
For pituitary surgery and medical therapy, most dogs will require lifelong therapy.
For some dogs with certain adrenal tumours, surgery can be curative – however the treatment regimen will be unique to your pet and individual circumstances. Please consult your veterinary surgeon to discuss all the options which may help your pet.
Yes. Regardless of the treatment option chosen your pet will need to be closely monitored by your vet. This may include regular blood sampling alongside clinical checkups.
It is important that you attend all the follow up appointments recommended by your vet and keep a track of the signs and symptoms your dog is displaying during and after treatment.
If your dog becomes unwell at any time, consult your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.
Does my dog require a special diet for treatment?
Cushing’s requires either medical or surgical treatment to be successfully managed, and diet change isn’t required for a successful outcome.
However, your veterinary surgeon may also suggest some nutritional support such as a special Endocrine diet, tailored specifically to support dogs with a hormonal disorder.
For further information on Dechra’s endocrine support diet please click here:
http://www.specific-diets.co.uk/dog/special-care-diets/endocrine-support-ced-gb
The active ingredient in Vetoryl is called trilostane. Trilostane is a short-acting medicine which needs to be given every day to control the clinical signs.
It is recommended that you give your dog Vetoryl with a meal so that it can be easily absorbed.
However it may be that you disguise Vetoryl in treat before feeding to ensure ease of administration, or add to a small tastier meal before feeding a reduced portion of regular food.
If you are struggling to administer Vetoryl please consult with your vet.
DO NOT open Vetoryl capsules – they should always be given whole.
Vetoryl contains a drug called trilostane. Trilostane blocks an enzymes which is vital in the production of cortisol from the adrenal gland, which in turn lowers cortisol production.
However, its effects are usually temporary, therefore you must continue to administer Vetoryl, even if your dog appears to be fully improved. Without a constant supply of Vetoryl, cortisol production will increase and your dog may start to display symptoms of Cushing’s once more.
How long after I start Vetoryl should I expect to see an improvement?
For most dogs the effects of Vetoryl are seen quite quickly. It is usually the case that the signs of increased drinking and urinating improve quickly – within a couple of weeks on therapy. However, some changes will take longer to resolve, a potbellied appearance is a good example of this, and some may even worsen before they start to improve – such as hair loss. You can track your dog’s improvement by using the logbook.
Please contact your veterinary surgeon if you feel your dog is not improving as you would expect.
Contact your veterinary surgeon. DO NOT give a double dose the next day.
Contact your veterinary surgeon IMMEDIATELY.
Vetoryl is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract therefore it is vital that you gain professional advice as soon as possible. Your vet will advise you on the best course of action dependent on how much Vetoryl your dog has eaten and the time since the overdose occurred. It is useful to have this information ready for your vet.
Key signs to look out for after an overdose include lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea and collapse. You should present your dog for veterinary attention immediately should such signs occur.
Vetoryl is well tolerated by most dogs. If your dog develops any signs of illness whilst on Vetoryl including lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea and anorexia stop treatment immediately and contact your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible
Once on treatment, most patients will require Vetoryl for the rest of their lives. Therefore unless you are instructed to do so by your veterinary surgeon, you should continue to give Vetoryl at the dose and frequency recommended by your vet.
The exception to this rule would be if your dog develops any signs of illness whilst on Vetoryl including lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea and anorexia. In these cases stop treatment immediately and contact your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible
