A New Surgical Treatment for Canine Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease (pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism) is a fairly common endocrine disorder that has the potential to significantly impact affected dogs’ quality of life. Traditional treatment involves lifelong daily medications, but a new surgical procedure can provide a long-term cure for dogs with the pituitary-induced form of the disease.
As the only facility in the southeast United States performing this new hypophysectomy procedure, the Texas A&M Small Animal Teaching Hospital is offering new hope for owners of dogs with Cushing’s disease.
Background
The pituitary gland (aka the hypophysis) sits at the base of the brain. Tumors within this gland often secrete hormones such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Too much ACTH drives excessive production of cortisol by the adrenal glands, resulting in hyperadrenocorticism/hypercortisolism (Cushing’s disease). Dogs with Cushing’s are usually very thirsty, hungry and weak, and are prone to infections and blood clots. Medical therapy can reduce the effects of too much cortisol, but hypophysectomy is the only cure for this disease.
Procedure
Under general anesthesia, the entire pituitary gland (including the tumor) is removed through a small incision in the roof of the mouth.
Patient eligibility
Dogs with significant co-morbidities (e.g., heart disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease) are not suitable candidates. Specific diagnostics (i.e., labwork, abdominal ultrasonography, thoracic radiographs) must be performed prior to referral and will be evaluated by the hypophysectomy team.
Cost
$12,000 (includes advanced imaging, surgery & immediate post-op care).
Length of stay
4-5 days (barring complications).
Complications
Uncommon, but can include intra-operative bleeding (which can be severe), infection at the surgery site, pneumonia, and blood clots to the lungs.
Anticipated outcome
Long-term cure rates of over 85% are reported. Dogs will need lifelong supplementation with prednisone (to replace cortisol) and thyroxine (to replace thyroid hormone). Short-term treatment with desmopressin is required to address transient ADH deficiency. Hypophysectomy also prevents neurologic issues related to the underlying tumor.
Contact us
For more information or to refer a case, please contact us by email at hypophysectomy@cvm.tamu.edu.
