Hyperadrenocorticism in Canines

http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/decushings.html

http://www.dechra-us.com/Cushings-Syndrome/Veterinarians/Prescribing-VETORYL-1.aspx

Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a common diagnosis at the veterinary hospital I work at. I’ve always had a general knowledge of what the disease is, but wanted to learn a little more about it. Cushing’s can be induced by over-dosing corticosteroids or develop naturally. Patients who are diagnosed with Cushing’s produce too much of the hormone, cortisol. This could be caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland (seen in 15% of patients) or pituitary gland (seen in 85% of patients). Overproduction (or over-stimulation) of corticosteroids cause many symptoms: increased drinking, appetite, urination, high blood pressure, poor skin quality and lumps. Patients with hyperadrenocorticism have a higher chance of developing diabetes or skin infections. The increased risk of diabetes is one of the major concerns I see from the veterinarians as they prescribe medications and monitor the disease. Simple blood tests can be performed to identify the disease. Veterinarians can remove the adrenal gland tumor, but at a high risk. Pituitary gland tumors are typically fatal within a few years. Most treatment is life-long medications.

One of the new developments for treating Cushing’s was a drug known as Vetoryl. This drug has effects on both adrenal and pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. Vetoryl, active ingredient Trilostane, functions by inhibiting unnecessary production of cortisol. It does this by blocking the enzyme 3-ß hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Side effects are vomiting, lack of energy, diarrhea, and weight loss. The most common treatment for Cushing patients is administering Lysodren, a chemotherapy drug. It works by killing the parts of the adrenal gland that produce cortisol, but being on this medication is risky and requires extensive monitoring and blood tests. Neither of these medications are approved as “cures” though, only supportive treatment.