Cushings syndrome is characterised by an overproduction of the hormone cortisol by the adrenal glands.

What causes Cushing’s?

Most cases result from a benign tumour in the pituitary gland of the brain, and less commonly it can result from an adrenal gland tumour.

How is it diagnosed?

The symptoms are often vague and vary from patient to patient, but usual signs include:

• excessive thirst and appetite
• weight gain, especially around the belly
• thin hair coat and brittle skin
• hair loss on the tail
• reduced energy levels and exercise intolerance

Once any combination of the above symptoms are present, a routine blood panel should be recommended. The purpose of this is to screen general health but also to assess if characteristic changes particular to Cushings disease are present in the blood results.

From here, making a definitive diagnosis can get a bit more complicated, and generally speaking it is necessary to do more specific blood and urine testing.

Treatment

Treatment is usually very effective in controlling symptoms, and requires long term medication.

Some monitoring tests are required in the initial phase of treatment, at which point the correct long term dose will be determined. From here, the prognosis is good.