Cushing's Syndrome Archives - PWD Foundation, Inc.

Exploring New Medical Treatments for Cushing’s Syndrome in Dogs

Posted on May 4, 2015August 27, 2019 by PWDF Admin

Novel Medical Approach to Canine Hyperadrenocorticism with Melanocortin 2 Receptor (MC2R) Antagonist and Steroidogenic Factor 1 (SF-1) Inverse Agonists

Summary: Researchers will investigate potential new medical treatments for canine Cushing’s syndrome.

Description: Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal disorder that occurs when the body produces higher than normal levels of the hormone cortisol. Unhealthy levels of cortisol can be triggered by various causes, including pituitary and adrenal gland tumors.

Researchers will assess how two novel compounds affect cortisol production and adrenal tumor growth. Identifying novel medical options will help improve treatment strategies for dogs with Cushing’s syndrome.

Co-sponsored with the Morris Animal Foundation, Grant Number: D15CA-052

<h5>RESEARCHERS</h5>
Dr. Sara Galac
Utrecht University, The Netherlands

Plasma Cortisol Concentration in Dogs with Pituitary Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism and Atypical Cushing’s Syndrome

Posted on May 7, 2012August 27, 2019 by PWDF Admin

To use a modified version of intermittent samplings to assess whether dogs with atypical Cushing’s syndrome produce increased cortisol over a certain time period.

Results

Twenty-eight dogs were enrolled in the study to compare cortisol concentrations among healthy dogs, dogs with excess cortisol associated with pituitary dependent Cushing’s syndrome and dogs categorized as having “atypical” Cushing’s syndrome. The latter is diagnosed when dogs have clinical signs suggestive of excess cortisol (drinking a lot, infections, losing hair) but increases in peak cortisol concentration are not detected with routine tests. Nine hourly blood samples were collected from each dog through a catheter. The serum was saved and then sent to a lab for determination of cortisol concentrations. The cortisol concentrations from dogs within each group will be statistically compared to see if dogs with “atypical” Cushing’s syndrome have similar cortisol levels to those with pituitary dependent Cushing’s syndrome.

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Grant Number: 01684-A

RESEARCHERS

Linda Frank, DVM
University of Tennessee

Assessing Therapeutic Targets for Adrenocortical Tumors

Posted on May 7, 2009August 27, 2019 by PWDF Admin

This study is looking at new therapeutic targets for medical treatment of cortisol-secreting adrenocortical tumors, which cause Cushing’s disease, one of the most common canine endocrine disorders.

Co-sponsored with the Morris Animal Foundation, Grant Number: D09CA-913

RESEARCHERS

Dr. Miriam J. Kool, DVM
University of Utrecht, The Netherlands