Cushing's Disease in German Shepherds

The German shepherd descends from herding and livestock dogs and is popular for its intelligence and loyalty to family. While considered a healthy breed, the German shepherd can acquire a treatable, though serious, disorder called Cushing's disease.

Onset of Cushing's Disease

The onset of hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing's disease typically occurs in middle-aged or older German shepherds and is slightly more prevalent in spayed females.

Identification

In a healthy German shepherd, the pituitary gland, which is located just beneath the brain, produces a hormone that is released into the blood stream to signal the dog's adrenal glands to secrete cortisol, similar to cortisone, which regulates stress, blood-sugar levels, kidney and cardiovascular functions. Cushing's disease creates an overproduction of cortisol.

Significance

Excess cortisol slowly poisons the German shepherd and symptoms don't appear right away. Veterinarians attribute several reasons that trigger the imbalance of cortisol: a tumor, usually benign, on the pituitary gland, an adrenal tumor, or a history of corticosteroids or prednisone medication.

Symptoms

If your German shepherd's energy and activity level decreases or its normally thick, double coat thins out and becomes oily, schedule a veterinary exam. Shepherds can also appear to have a "pot-belly," in spite of a healthy diet, which is another indication that Cushing's disease may be developing.

Diagnosis

Veterinarians measure the blood-cortisol levels and compare those to healthy baseline blood samples. Another test involves stimulating the cortisol level in your shepherd's system to monitor how its body responds. An ultrasound will confirm the suspected diagnosis.

References

• Newman's Veterinary: Hyperadrenocorticism: Cushing's Disease
• Pet Health: Cushings Disease---a Deadly Disease