First Rule Out High Cortisol Levels in
    Hyperthyroid Dogs
       
    Cortisol is often referred to as a ‘stress hormone’. This is because its
    secretion by the adrenal glands is related to the stress factor. In addition
    it also affects blood pressure, blood sugar and is vital to the
    immunosuppressive actions of the dog’s body.

    The synthetic form of cortisol, known as hydrocortisone, is used to treat inflammatory
    diseases, allergic reactions and to supplement deficiencies of the endogenous cortisol.

    Levels of cortisol in the body change according to the need of the body. They also vary
    according to the day-night cycle - the levels are at their peak early in the morning and
    lowest about 2 to 3 hours after sleep time.

    Damages to the pituitary or adrenal glands can disturb the production of the hormone to
    cause conditions like Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) and Addison’s disease
    that require immediate attention of the dog owners. These glands are the two endocrinal
    glands that are vital to endogenous production of cortisol in the body.

    Although the signs of both are the same, medical experts tend to differentiate Cushing’s
    disease in a dog from Cushing’s syndrome. The former refers specifically to a tumor in
    the pituitary gland that causes an excess of the hormone, ACTH in the body. Cushing’s
    disease in a dog is referred to as secondary hyperadrenocorticism in dogs.

    Diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism involves physical examination and routine blood tests.
    Symptoms of hyperadrenocorticism tend to mimic a number of other endocrinal, liver and
    kidney disorders. Vomitting, loss of appetite, lethargy, hair loss and skin problems are
    some of the symptoms that are common to hyperadrenocorticism and hyperthyroidism.

    Veterinarians usually prefer to rule out the prevalence of hyperthyroidism before
    proceeding with treatment for hyperadrenocorticism. For this purpose a series of
    specific tests are performed to establish cortisol levels in the dog’s body. Some of
    the tests that might be required include:

    * Complete blood count.
    * Complete analysis of urine.
    * Complete chemistry profie.
    * Abdominal x-rays and ultra sound examination.
    * Complete thyroid profile

    The data collected by the veterinarian determines whether the various symptoms are
    being caused by high levels of cortisol. Once it has been confimed that the cortisol levels
    are the culprit, further tests like Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Stimulation Test,
    Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test, Urine Cortisol-Creatinine Ratio, High-Dose
    Dexamethasone Suppression Test and /or Plasma ACTH Measurements need to be
    undertaken.

    These tests establish firmly whether the symptoms are due to hyperthyroidism or
    Cushing’s disease. These tests also determine whether the condition is due to
    adrenal dysfunction or pituitary malfunction.

    Both Cushing’s disease and hyperthyroidism are serious conditions that can affect dog
    behaviour in a big way. Cushing’s disease is a life threatening condition and requires
    constant monitoring if you want to ensure that your pet has a comfortable life.

    References:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cushing's_syndrome

    http://www.oxfordlabs.com/dbhwthyp.html


    For more information about Cushings Disease in Dogs or Cushex Cushing's Drops
    Click Here

    For more information about Anxiety in Dogs or PetCalm Pet Anxiety Treatment
    Click Here
herbal pet remedies,pet remedies
Pet Library Index
Pet Product Index
Additional Library
Resources
Thank You for Visiting Purchase Remedies.com