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Category: Hormonal

dog scratching his ear

Ear Infections Part 1

If you have ever woken up in the middle of the night to your pet shaking its head and scratching its ears, you know how uncomfortable a pet can be when they have an ear infection. Ear infections have many causes. The key to treating the infection and stopping it from returning is understanding the primary, secondary, perpetuating and predisposing causes of ear infections. Join dermatologists Dr. Meagan Painter and Dr. Brittany Lancellotti to help you understand why your dog or cat is getting ear infections and how to stop them in their tracks so you can keep your animal happy and healthy.

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bulldog getting a bath

Skin Infections Part 1

What’s that smell? Dogs and cats with allergies or hormonal diseases can often develop infections on their skin with bacteria and yeast. These infections can cause itching, redness, scabs, and discomfort. In this episode, veterinary dermatologist Dr. Alicia Webb-Milum joins follow dermatologist Dr. Brittany Lancellotti to talk about why skin infections occur and the types of bacteria and yeast most often involved with the infection. They will also discuss how topical therapy, such as medicated bathing, can be an excellent treatment, and what to discuss with your veterinarian if you are having difficulty with topical therapy.

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happy senior toy poodle

Cushing’s Disease – Treatment

Cushing’s disease is a disease where the body produces too much of the natural steroid hormone called cortisol. When we test for this disease, we will often use an eight hour low dose dexamethasone suppression test, potentially a one hour ACTH stimulation test and an abdominal ultrasound to look at the adrenal glands and measure their size. In our final episode of the series on Cushing’s disease, we talk about treatment options, including a medication called trilostane that inhibits the enzyme to produce cortisol within the adrenal glands or an alternative medication like mitotane. The ACTH stimulation test is used to monitor the medication safely. Remember, this disease requires a lot of diligence and a lot of close monitoring with your veterinarian. We will work with you to make sure that your pet is getting the dosage of medication that is just right to control the clinical signs at home. 85 to 95% of dogs will do great with just a single medication. Find out more here.

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old dog lying down

Cushing’s Disease – Testing

Cushing’s disease is caused by an overproduction of the body’s natural steroid hormone or stress hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is needed to maintain a lot of the body’s normal functions, but, when the body starts making too much, cortisol can suppress the immune system, leading to infections of the skin, ears and urinary tract. Cortisol can also make dogs excessively hungry, thirsty, or have accidents in the house. These patients have weakened muscles, which gives them a potbellied appearance. Because there’s a wide range of body systems that are affected by cortisol, not all dogs with Cushing’s disease will look the same and there can be a wide range of severity to the signs as well. If you and your family veterinarian are suspicious for Cushing’s disease, this episode discusses the different tests available.

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Dog drinking water

Cushing’s disease – Clinical Signs

Cushing’s disease is caused by an overproduction of cortisol, the body’s natural steroid hormone. Increased thirst and urination, infections, low energy, hair loss, and muscle wasting can be indicators of this disease. This episode discusses signs of this hormonal disease in dogs.

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