Cortisol is often referred to as a ‘stress hormone’. This is because its secretion by the adrenal glands is related to the stress factor. In addition it also affects blood pressure, blood sugar and is vital to the immunosuppressive actions of the dog’s body. The synthetic form of cortisol, known as hydrocortisone, is used to treat inflammatory diseases, allergic reactions and to supplement deficiencies of the endogenous cortisol.
Levels of cortisol in the body change according to the need of the body. They also vary according to the day-night cycle – the levels are at their peak early in the morning and lowest about 2 to 3 hours after sleep time. Damages to the pituitary or adrenal glands can disturb the production of the hormone to cause conditions like Cushings disease (hyperadrenocorticism) and Addison’s disease that require immediate attention of the dog owners. These glands are the two endocrinal glands that are vital to endogenous production of cortisol in the body.
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Hypothyroid conditions in pets
The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones which have a number of functions in the body and are particularly critical in maintaining your pet’s metabolic rate. Any change in the functioning of this gland can have varied effects on your pet’s health. In some animals (and humans) the function of the thyroid gland may become compromised and decrease as your pet ages or due to inflammation of the gland.
Although hypothyroidism (decreased functioning of the thyroid) is not a life-threatening condition, it can certainly decrease your dog or cat’s quality of life.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism may be insidious in onset and not immediately obvious. If your pet has been putting on weight or you suspect hypothyroidism for another reason, it is best to consult your vet who will be able to test for this condition by measuring thyroid hormones in the blood.
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It is often easy to miss out on some of the symptoms that surface in your dog. Since dog has given companionship, loyalty and affection to humans, the least that man can do is to ensure that their pets are healthy and well taken care of.
Sometimes symptoms like excessive urination, hair loss and too much of huffing and puffing can be the first warning signs of endocrinal diseases like Cushing
s disease or hypothyroidism.
Disturbances in the required levels of thyroid hormones cause hypothyroidism (less secretion of hormone) or hyperthyroidism (increased secretion).
Most cases of hypothyroidism in dogs results from an autoimmune system dysfunction. This affects the lymphocytes causing them to decreases in size in some cases.
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Posted on 2009 under Dog Thyroid Health, Dogs, Puppies | 14 May
Hyperadrenocorticism in dogs, commonly known as Cushings disease, is an endocrinal disorder caused by the malfunctioning of either the adrenal glands and/or the pituitary glands. There are natural as well as drug induced causes behind the occurrence of this disease in your pet.
Apart from the harrowing symptoms, there are numerous medical ramifications of Cushings disease in dogs that can potentially affect how long your dog lives
* High blood pressure and heart problems due to a weakening of muscles.
* Pancreas’ problems that are rare but can be fatal.
* Kidney problems that arise due to protein loss due to damage in the filtering system.
* Formation of clots in blood vessels due to malfunctioning kidneys.
* Infections caused due to suppression of autoimmune system by excess cortisol.
* Delayed healing of wounds due to excessive cortisol.
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