Podcast episodes - Your Vet Wants You to Know

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.

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.

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.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy with allergy shots or drops is the only therapy which can reverse underlying environmental allergies. If your allergic dog or allergic cat has received symptomatic medications like Apoquel, Cytopoint, steroids, Atopica or antibiotics, check out this week’s episode to learn all about allergy testing and desensitization for long term management of allergies to be able to reduce the need for other anti-itch and antibiotic medications.

Atopica

Atopica (cyclosporine) is a commonly used symptomatic treatment for allergic dermatitis in dogs and cats. Atopica works to decrease swollen paws and ears, as well as provide safer long term relief than steroids. Learn about the benefits and drawbacks to this therapy.

Steroids

Steroids are commonly used medications for a wide variety of diseases, including allergic skin disease. In this episode, Dr. Curtis Plowgian discusses the benefits and risks of steroids in the treatment of allergic cats and dogs.

Cytopoint

Cytopoint is a revolutionary new anti-itch therapy for symptomatic treatment of itch in dogs with allergies. This therapy provides an average of 4 weeks of itch relief and can be used in many dogs who cannot use other anti-itch treatments because of other medical conditions. Find out more about the benefits and drawbacks of this therapy.

Apoquel

Apoquel is a commonly used medication in the treatment of allergic itch in dogs. If you’re looking for more information about the benefits and risks of this medication, you’ve come to the right place. Listen now for evidence-based information about this allergy medication for itchy pets.

Golden retriever dog panting and lying on grass with tennis ball and trees in background

Environmental allergies

Environmental allergies are common among dogs and cats. Allergens can include weeds, grass, and tree pollens that can travel many miles. Animals may also be allergic to dust and storage mites, as well as humans and other animals. Environmental allergies are a chronic disease that requires good communication and teamwork with the veterinarian.

Food Allergies

Food allergies in pets can result in itching and overgrooming in many parts of the body, and most often are the result of a sensitivity to chicken, beef, fish, soy, egg or dairy. Find out more about how to work with your veterinarian to determine if your pet has a food allergy.