Links between Heart Disease and Cushings Disease in Dogs

Cushings disease in dogs, also known as Hyperadrenocorticism, is an endocrinal disorder caused by an inbalance either the pituitary glands or adrenal glands. There are various causes of the condition, some natural and others drug-related.

Aside from the challenging symptoms of cushings disease, there are additional medical complications resulting from Cushing’s disease in dogs that can affect the life expectancy of your dog:

• Hypertension and heart problems due to a weakening of muscles.
• Pancreatic problems. These are less common but usually fatal.
• Kidney problems that arise due a loss of protein related to damaged filtration.
• Blood clots as a result of bad kidneys. 
• Excess cortisol suppresses the autoimmune system resulting in infections.
• Slow wound healing because of too much cortisol.
  

Most dogs with Cushings disease usually have hypertension and related heart problems. Due to muscle The heart does not pump sufficient blood because of atrophy. Congestive heart disease may result. When enough blood is not available, fluid fills the abdominal cavitiies and lungs. This results in high blood pressure, which causes the heart to work even harder. Chances of a heart failure, therefore, significantly increase.

A tumor near the adrenal glands may cause an increase in cortisol production.

Sometimes man-made synthesized cortisol is used. There is a danger if the dosage is not efficiently controlled. Hormone production may increase. This is called secondary hyperadrenocorticism.

The long term effects of hyperadrenocorticism because of a tumor or external cortisol levels are the same.

Treatment for naturally occuring Cushing’s disease in dogs is necessary, but may not always be effective.

The prognosis of Cushing’s dogs is extremely dim. It's sad that it is usally not detected until it is too late. Older dogs seem to be more at risk than younger ones. Conventional drugs used to treat cushings disease have side effects that may make things worse. Many times a conscious decision has to be taken whether to treat or simply make your pet comfortable and let be. There are also natural homeopathic options that are gentle on your dog and may bring some relief and restoration.

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