Lula my Staffordshire Bull Terrier had cushing’s disease and had to get to put to sleep. She went peacefully and she was ready to go. God please look after her. I don’t normally cry and all I’ve done is cry because I was her dad and loved her so much. R.I.P. Baby girl. More about what happend to Lula below…
She had cushing’s disease and was diagnosed about a year ago now. She died peacefully in my arms yesterday on 11th June 2024. Vets 4 Pets diagnosed her but after seeing her symptoms with my own eyes first and Googling them I already knew this was what she had.
The symptoms she had and what to look out for is the following…
Pot belly. The swelling of the belly.
Massive increase in appetite
Massive increase of drinking water
Panting very heavily
Needing a wee more
For more info in this see below…
Cushing’s disease is a specific form of Cushing’s syndrome caused by a pituitary adenoma, which is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor of the pituitary gland. This tumor secretes an excess amount of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol. Here is a detailed overview:
Causes and Pathophysiology
Pituitary Adenoma: The primary cause of Cushing’s disease is a pituitary adenoma. This small tumor in the pituitary gland produces excess ACTH.
Cortisol Overproduction: The overproduction of ACTH leads to the adrenal glands producing too much cortisol, a hormone involved in stress response, metabolism, and immune function.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Cushing’s disease are due to prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol and may include:
Weight Gain: Particularly around the abdomen and face (leading to a characteristic “moon face”), and between the shoulders (leading to a “buffalo hump”).
Skin Changes: Thinning of the skin, easy bruising, and purple or red stretch marks (striae) on the abdomen, thighs, breasts, and arms.
Muscle and Bone Changes: Muscle weakness, osteoporosis (bone thinning), and fractures.
Metabolic Changes: Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and diabetes.
Psychological Symptoms: Depression, anxiety, irritability, and cognitive difficulties.
Reproductive Changes: Irregular menstrual periods in women and decreased fertility and libido in both men and women.
Cardiovascular Issues: Hypertension (high blood pressure) and increased risk of heart disease.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Cushing’s disease involves several steps:
Clinical Evaluation: Assessing symptoms and medical history.
Laboratory Tests:
24-hour Urinary Free Cortisol Test: Measures cortisol levels in urine collected over 24 hours.
Late-night Salivary Cortisol Test: Measures cortisol levels in a saliva sample taken late at night.
Low-dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test: Measures how cortisol levels respond to dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid.
Imaging: MRI or CT scans to detect the presence of a pituitary adenoma.
Treatment
Treatment aims to reduce cortisol levels to normal. Options include:
Surgery: The primary treatment is transsphenoidal surgery to remove the pituitary tumor.
Medications: If surgery is not an option or is not fully successful, medications like ketoconazole, metyrapone, or mitotane may be used to control cortisol production.
Radiation Therapy: May be used if surgery and medication are not effective.
Adrenalectomy: In rare cases, removal of the adrenal glands may be necessary, followed by lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
Prognosis
Post-Treatment: Successful treatment often leads to a significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life. However, some patients may have residual symptoms or complications.
Monitoring: Lifelong monitoring is often required to manage potential recurrences or long-term effects of the disease and its treatment.
Complications
If left untreated, Cushing’s disease can lead to severe complications, including:
Cardiovascular Disease: Due to prolonged high blood pressure and metabolic disturbances.
Infections: Increased susceptibility to infections due to immune suppression.
Psychological Issues: Persistent mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and minimizing the risk of complications. If you suspect you have symptoms of Cushing’s disease, consulting an endocrinologist for evaluation and management is essential.
Its important to get put on the correct level of Vetoryl because Vets 4 Pets give Lula to much of a high dosage and did not check her bloods regular which in turn left her to suffer. She lost her little mind being on a massive 120mg for far to long. She started crying a lot with confusion and probably paid because of the high dosage of Vetoryl. So please make sure you don’t give your dog to much and don’t miss any blood work appointments.
Love Lee & Lula xxx
from Operation Feel Fit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHTKgG7u2b8
Operation Feel Fit 