Treatment Hyperadrenocorticism Cushing's Syndrome in Dogs

The Good
The goals in treating dogs afflicted with naturally occurring Cushing’s syndrome (pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism, PDH; or adrenocortical tumor hyperadrenocorticism, ACT) are to resolve the clinical signs and improve both dog
and owner’s quality of life. It is critically important, however, for owners to understand their role on the veterinary-owner-patient team. Major decisions are made based on owner observations and are keys to long-term success. Success rates with several forms of treatment have been excellent. Signs resolve in a typical order, with polyphagia being the first sign to improve in most dogs. Owners also note that their dogs begin to be more active and pant less, as polydipsia and polyuria resolve. All these can begin to resolve in just days to a few weeks. Muscle strength and pot belly take longer to resolve and the various skin and hair coat issues may require months. Why is all this important? It has been shown that as these signs resolve, there is parallel improvement in hypertension, susceptibility to infection, proteinuria, and other concerns. […]