We are putting out this appeal to help Jelena in Serbia.
One of her shelter dogs named ‘Ruben’ has a hyperactive adrenal gland. This is causing him skin problems as can be seen in the photographs.
We are currently seeking veterinary advice relating to this, but we currently think that this problem is also known as ‘Cushings Disease / Syndrome’.
‘Ruben’ – Note skin problems
Cushing’s disease
Another name for hyperadrenocorticism – the term given to an endocrine condition characterised by an excessive amount of cortisol being released into the body. Harvey William Cushing (1869-1939) was a pioneering neurosurgeon and gave his name to this disease. The group of clinical signs resulting from the disease is known as Cushing’s syndrome.
We are asking for people anywhere who can help jelena with this to please contact her at palanski@eunet.rs
Maybe you know of, or can contact a veterinary product producer and ask them if they would be prepared to donate free treatment to Ruben, especially as he is a rescued dog now living in a Serbian shelter.
NOTE – From the info we have, any veterinary product given to Ruben would be life long – it is not a case of a dosage for just a few months. Please be aware of this when asking / contacting suppliers.
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Dogs with Cushing’s syndrome produce excessive amounts of cortisol. This can have harmful effects on other organs and on the ability of the body to regulate itself.
AN IMPORTANT HORMONE
Cushing’s occurs in dogs who are producing excessive amounts of cortisol, an important hormone that helps to regulate the body’s metabolism.
Cortisol plays a vital role in protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism and is released into the bloodstream at times of stress to prepare the body for a flight or fight response.
Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands – two small glands located in the abdomen, next to each kidney. A hormone called ACTH controls the production and release of cortisol from the adrenal glands. ACTH itself is produced by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain.
The concentration of cortisol in the blood of healthy animals varies greatly as the body’s demand for cortisol fluctuates. For example, during a period of anxiety or illness, it is normal for the adrenal glands to increase their production of cortisol. Once this period of stress has passed, the cortisol concentration in the blood returns back to normal.
CORTISOL OVERPRODUCTION
In dogs with Cushing’s syndrome, there is a chronic overproduction of cortisol over weeks and months. Although the concentration of cortisol in the blood of a dog with Cushing’s also fluctuates greatly, it tends to be, on average, much higher than in healthy dogs. The excessive amount of cortisol released into the bloodstream has a harmful effect on the function of many organs and the body’s metabolism.
Cushing’s syndrome cannot be cured but it can be successfully managed and controlled through medication. Vetoryl® is the only licensed treatment for Cushing’s in the UK. It contains trilostane which is a chemical substance that blocks the production of cortisol.
In some countries, a product known as ‘LYSODREN’ is also a solution to the problem. Nothing is available in Serbia.
Cushing’s syndrome is not curable but with Vetoryl® it can be very effectively controlled; maintaining a good quality of life for your dog for years to come. Vetoryl®, which is the only licensed treatment for use in dogs, contains the active ingredient trilostane, a drug that rapidly reduces the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands.
Please contact as many suppliers as you can – Ruben can be greatly helped with his illness.
As the solution is small and can be packaged and sent to Serbia cheaply, this would be one small act that would make a massive difference for one little dog.
Please look at the photographs and do what you can to get the treatment for Ruben.
Thanks – SAV.
Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, SERBIA (Central Serbia: Capital - Belgrade) and (Serbia, SHELTER - Information | Leave a comment »
Serbian Animals Voice (SAV) 