Cushing's Disease & Food Allergies
Cushing's disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, can affect humans as well as dogs and cats. It occurs when the adrenal glands produce an excess of the hormone cortisol. In a healthy body, cortisol helps regulate body weight, tissue structure and skin condition. An excess of cortisol can lead to a weakened immune system and leave the body prone to increased risk of infection.
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Symptoms
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The signs of Cushing's disease are similar to those of the normal ageing process, making diagnosis more difficult for older dogs, who along with toy breeds are most likely to suffer from Cushing's. Symptoms include hair loss or recurring skin disease, muscle wastage, excessive panting, frequent urination, excessive thirst, pot belly and changes in behavior. Not all dogs will present symptoms in the same way and a veterinarian will confirm a diagnosis with blood tests.
Causes
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The most likely cause of Cushing's disease is a tumor in the adrenal or pituitary glands, resulting in the over-secretion of glucocorticoids. However, there is also a form of the disease (iatrogenic) which can occur as a result of high doses of steroids. These may have been prescribed to treat an allergy or intolerance that has its cause within the diet or environment.
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Treatment
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According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), if the cause of Cushing's disease is a tumor, then the only "cure" is surgery. This carries a high degree of risk. However, most veterinarians opt for long-terrm treatment with medication. "It is important for a veterinarian to see the dog regularly and do blood tests." This is to determine the right dose of medication," says Anne Stohlman V.M.D of the FDA
If the cause is not a tumor but the administration of high doses of steroids, then gradual withdrawal of these is the treatment, However, the underlying cause of the symptoms will still need to be addressed, particularly if a component of the animal's diet is suspected of causing an allergic reaction.
Food Allergy
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According to Vet on the Web, an allergy is an unexpected reaction that follows the second or subsequent exposure to any particular substance (which is called an allergen). With food allergies, antibodies are produced against a particular food component. In a susceptible animal, the immune system overreacts, thus giving rise to the symptoms. Most foods can produce an allergy, but the most common are wheat, dairy products and beef.
Food Issues
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In order to reduce itchiness or inflammation, veterinarians will sometimes prescribe steroids if a dog has a severe allergic reaction. In the short term, these can offer relief from symptoms. If the underlying cause is a food allergy, then the most effective treatment is an elimination diet that will enable the owner to establish a diet that the dog can tolerate. This should be undertaken with veterinary oversight.
According to Sandy Eckstein of MedicineNet, this involves taking a dog off all the foods he is currently eating and putting him on a simple food that it has never eaten before. Once the dog's health has improved, other foods can be added to his diet over a period of several weeks and any reaction noticed. If the elimination diet improves the dog's health and an owner is able to find diets that the dog can tolerate, Eckstein recommends rotating these diets every two to three months.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit dog image by Bobi from Fotolia.com
