Austin Pets Alive! | Little Bear’s Story – YOU can help him! – FUND…
Littlebear
Nov 17, 2014

Little Bear’s Story – YOU can help him! – FUND COMPLETED! THANK YOU!

Little Bear is a whopping 6lbs of attitude! He is a 5yr old Long Coat Chuihuahua that was rescued from euthanasia on the 7th of this month. He was owner surrendered to the Austin Animal Center specifically because of the hair loss he has on his back and rump and his feisty personality. Our Behavior Team is working with him to help calm him down and relax (we’re unsure if there was any abuse in his background) and our vets suspect Cushing’s Disease may be the cause of the furloss.

Cushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is a common disease that dogs and cats get that is often caused by either an adrenal tumor or a pituitary tumor. The pituitary gland is involved in sending signals to the adrenal gland; the adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones, including cortisol, the stress hormone.

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Too much cortisol in the body can lead to symptoms such as increased drinking and urination, loss of fur and other skin diseases, a potbelly appearance and obesity, as well as many other symptoms. It is important to test a dog with these symptoms for Cushing’s disease to determine where the tumor is located and begin proper treatment. If left untreated, tumors often metastasize and symptoms will continue to worsen, decreasing the lifespan of the animal.

Can YOU help Austin Pets Alive diagnose and treat Little Bear?