Certain breeds more prone to Cushing’s Syndrome.
Cushing’s Syndrome is a disease affecting dogs when an overactive adrenal system produces too much cortisone. Cortisone is an essential hormone, but it causes serious illness when produced in excessive amounts.
Canine Cushing’s Syndrome usually occurs in pets age 9 and older. It is a little more common in females than males and is especially prevalent in poodles, dachshunds, miniature schnauzers and German shepherds. Boxers and Boston terriers are also more commonly affected.
About 80 to 85 percent of Cushing’s Syndrome in dogs is caused by a small tumor in the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. The tumor produces a chemical that causes the adrenal glands to enlarge and produce too much cortisone. Other canines with Cushing’s Syndrome have a tumor of the adrenal glands, small organs located near the kidneys.
Occasionally a dog is diagnosed with Cushing’s disease due to the long-term administration of steroids given to treat other diseases.
Because the disease has a gradual onset, some owners mistakenly believe the symptoms are part of the aging process. Changes to watch for include increased water consumption, increased urination, increased appetite, a pot-bellied appearance and loss of hair on the trunk of the body.
Other symptoms include chronic skin or urinary tract infections, excessive panting, lethargy, muscle weakness and calcium deposits in the skin.
If your dog has been displaying these symptoms, a full work up with a veterinarian is recommended. Diagnostic tools include measuring blood pressure, X-rays of the chest and abdomen, urine and blood tests. The vet may also want to use more advanced diagnostic measures like ultrasound or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to help evaluate adrenal gland enlargement.
Depending on the type of Cushing’s disease your dog has, the treatment will probably involve medication to block the excess hormone or treat the tumor. In some cases, surgery may be recommended.
Other diseases that produced symptoms similar to Cushing’s disease include diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney and liver disease. It’s important to take your older dog to the vet on a more frequent basis so that regular blood tests can catch problems in their early stages.

Does your cat need help with hairballs?
As any cat owner knows, hairballs are a common but not particularly appealing part of loving a feline. Long-haired cats are especially prone to hair or fur balls that develop when cats swallow hair as they groom themselves. The hair forms into a mat and can even cause problems by blocking the path of food into the stomach. Further into the gastrointestinal tract, hairballs can cause constipation.
Cats commonly vomit the hairball out, sometimes with other food or liquid. They may make a dry hacking noise, sounding like something is stuck in the back of the throat.
How can you help reduce your cat’s experience with hairballs?

• Frequent grooming. The more you groom your feline, the less hair the cat will ingest.

• Feed your cat one of the commonly used petroleum-based hairball products that act as a laxative to help your cat pass a hairball.

• Give your cat special treats manufactured to help with hairballs. These treats generally contain mineral oil that help break up the mats of hair.

• Ask your veterinarian for recommendations such as pet food that is designed for felines with recurrent hairball problems.

Bred for problems?
The British Kennel Club has announced plans to review breed standards for bulldogs due to some of the respiratory problems the dogs’ suffer. Bulldogs and other breeds with similarly short faces, like pugs, can have trouble getting enough air into their lungs due to the shape of their respiratory tracts.
The dogs often suffer from noisy breathing, snoring and restricted mobility. During very hot weather, swelling in the dogs’ throat, nose or larynx can restrict air even more.
A recent documentary televised on the BBC explored some of the illnesses the breed is prone to, and the British network announced it would no longer televise a premiere dog show where dogs are judged against the traditional breed standards.
The documentary also noted that bulldog puppies frequently must be delivered by Cesarean section due to the breed’s narrow hips and large heads.
The bulldog is not the only dog whose breeding standards are currently under review in Britain. The BKC is reviewing breed standards for 78 breeds to make sure the dogs are being bred to promote good health, good temperament and fitness for “their original function.”