Cushings disease in catsCushings disease in cats or hyperadrenocorticism is an endocrine disorder (endocrine system secretes hormones) so it is an inbalance of hormones in the body. Hormones are molecules that act as signals from one type of cells to another. Most hormones reach their targets via the blood. All multicellular organisms need "coordinating systems to regulate and integrate the function of differentiating cells." Two mechanisms perform this function in higher animals: the nervous system and the endocrine system. The problem occurs more commonly in the dog than in the cat. It is not very common in cats but is occurring more frequently. It is difficult to diagnose Cushings disease in cats (see below) CauseExcess of cortisol in body Hypercortisolism: Excessive levels of cortisol in the blood result in Cushing's syndrome. What is cortisol?"Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex (in the adrenal gland). It is a vital hormone that is often referred to as the "stress hormone" as it is involved in the response to stress. It increases blood pressure, blood sugar levels and has an immunosuppressive action. In pharmacology, the synthetic form of cortisol is referred to as hydrocortisone, and is used to treat allergies and inflammation as well as cortisol production deficiencies. When first introduced as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, it was referred to as Compound E." What causes the production of excess cortisol in the adrenal glands?Caveat: research indicates some slight variations in the cause and treatment from one article source to the next, but the central arguments are common to all research sources) The adrenal glans malfunctions due (in almost all cases) to either a pituitary brain tumor (85% of cases) or an adrenal gland tumor. The tumor in the pituitary gland results in the pituitary gland producing too much of the hormone (ACTH) that directs the adrenal glands so they produce too much cortisol. The underlying cause of Cushing's disease also results in other conditions. What are the symptoms?these include:
Normally not all the symptoms are present. Normally 2-3 symptoms and some none. Doesn't cause obvious illness. Increased thirst may be the most obvious. Cushings disease in cats in far less obvious. Often it goes undiagnosed. It is most commonly diagnosed in cats when it is difficult to work out a maintenance dosage of insulin for a cat with diabetes. This is a sign that Cushing's disease is present as Cushing's disease has an adverse effect on the regulation of blood glucose in cats who have diabetes and Cushing's disease. What is the treatment?See your veterinarian.There are drugs including a new drug that can help normalise the production of cortisol but.... .....it is rarely life threatening and a near normal life can be expected. Sources:
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