21 December 2023 , 13:27
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With the festive season in full swing, it’s not just us who are particularly partial to a spot of overindulgence, with our canine companions also enjoying an extra snack or two this season. However, if you have an older or ageing four-legged friend, then excessive hunger could be a sign of a treatable condition called 'Cushing’s Syndrome'.
After a new survey of more than 1,000 UK dog owners revealed that a whopping 77% of dog owners are mistaking signs of this for old age, a vet is urging owners to check their canines in case they're suffering from the disease.
Jamie Walker, Technical Services Manager at global veterinary pharmaceuticals company, Dechra, explains how you can spot the warning signs and what to do next: “If your dog is under the weather, or behaving differently, it can be very worrying, especially if you don’t know what the cause is,” says Jamie. “Some symptoms of an underlying health issue can be difficult to distinguish from ageing too, making a diagnosis and treatment even more challenging.”
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He continues: “Cushing’s Syndrome is a disorder that can seriously affect your dog’s health, vitality and appearance. Also known as 'hyperadrenocorticism' it’s one of the most common endocrine disorders, occurring mostly in middle-aged and older dogs. Dogs with Cushing’s produce excessive amounts of cortisol, an important hormone that helps regulate metabolism. This can have harmful effects on other organs and on the ability of the body to regulate itself.”
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Jamie says that some dog breeds are more likely to develop the syndrome, such as Bichon Frise, Yorkshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Dachshund, and West Highland White Terrier, among others, but the good news is that when diagnosed and treated using medication, dogs can return to good health, putting owner’s minds at ease and helping improve quality of life.
So what are the warning signs of Canine Cushing’s Syndrome?
Changes to the appetite / eating a lot more
If you find your once picky dog is now eating all their food and more, or has shown a change in behaviour to become more protective around food, then discuss this with your vet.
Increased thirst / drinking a lot more
Drinking a lot more is one of the most common symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome in a dog.
Increased urination / peeing on the floor
If your dog needs letting out more frequently, is waking you through the night to urinate, or having accidents indoors when it is normally well-house trained, then this can all be an indication of Cushing’s Syndrome.
Being excessively tired
This may be shown by sleepiness and low energy, moving more slowly, being reluctant to get out of bed, being reluctant to go for a walk or play, generally showing an unwillingness to do things they usually do.
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Potbelly
Keep a look out for a rounded appearance of their waist – as if your pooch has a paunch, then this may be a symptom of Cushing’s Syndrome.
Muscle shrinking
A healthy dog should maintain a regular weight and muscle tone – see your vet if you notice your pooch has noticeably lost some muscle mass. One way to spot this is if they’re finding it difficult to stand up, jump up onto the sofa, or climb up and down the stairs.
Excessive panting
All dogs pant, however, if you notice your dog is panting more than usual (particularly when resting), then it might be worth a visit to the vet.
Patchy hair or skin changes
Another symptom of Cushing’s Syndrome is changes to your dog's skin or any patches of hair loss. For some dogs, hair loss caused by Cushing’s can be extreme, leaving them only with fur over their head and feet. Yet for other dogs, it may be more subtle – with signs such as having a dull coat, hair not growing back after being clipped or blackhead formation in the armpits or groin. Skin can also become thinner.
Recurrent skin infections
If your dog is suffering from recurrent skin infections, this can also be a symptom of Cushing’s Syndrome.
Recurrent urine infections
Much like recurrent skin infections, if your dog is regularly having to be treated for urine infections, this can also be a symptom of Cushing’s Syndrome.