Once diagnosed with Cushing’s, there is an opportunity to bring back health and restore life. You can welcome back the animal you thought you’d lost to Cushing’s. Through effective treatment it is possible to improve your dog’s quality-of-life and reduce the risk of your dog developing other conditions. Treating your dog’s Cushing’s improves your dog’s quality-of-life, and as a result your own quality-of-life
The major impact of Cushing’s is a reduction in the quality-of-life of dogs with the condition. As Cushing’s can progress over time, the symptoms your dog may be displaying, for example tiredness, increases in thirst, and urinating inside, are likely to worsen without treatment.
There are also a number of potentially life-threatening conditions which can occur as a result of Cushing’s. These include:
Cushing’s can be successfully treated using medication allowing your dog’s health to be restored. Vetoryl® is the only licensed treatment for use in dogs. Vetoryl contains the active ingredient trilostane, a drug which reduces the production of the hormone cortisol by the adrenal glands.
There are surgical options for the treatment of Cushing’s. This will involve either an operation in the abdomen to remove the affected adrenal gland, or less commonly surgery through the roof of the mouth to access the base of the brain - where the pituitary gland itself is then removed.
All options have advantages and disadvantages, and not all options will be available for every pet. The exact treatment regimen for your vet will be determined based on your individual circumstances. We therefore recommend that you discuss with your vet which is the best treatment for your pet.
Vetoryl is well-tolerated by most dogs.
If your dog develops any signs of illness whilst on Vetoryl including lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea and going off their food, stop treatment immediately and contact your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.
However, it may be the case that treatment with Vetoryl may reveal other underlying conditions which were previously suppressed by the excess of cortisol. Examples of conditions which may worsen after treatment with Vetoryl include arthritis and allergic skin disease.
Further treatment for these conditions may be required and we advise that you contact your veterinary surgeon if you have individual concerns about your pet.
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
