Atypical Cushing's

[lulusmom]

I stumbled onto something very interesting today that could finally be the answer to the mystery of Atypical Cushing's.

01684-A: Plasma cortisol concentration in dogs with pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism and atypical Cushing's syndrome
http://www.akcchf.org/research/funded-research/1684.html

Related Grant
01602: Longitudinal Study Investigating the Progression and Pathogenesis of Atypical Hyperadrenocorticism in Scottish Terriers
http://www.akcchf.org/research/funded-research/1602.html

[Squirt's Mom]

YAY! Research outside UTK on Atypical Cushing's!


We hypothesize that the clinical signs associated with atypical Cushing's syndrome are actually due to continuously increased cortisol production, instead of increased peak production, resulting in greater than normal 24 hour (24-hr) cortisol secretion even though peak concentration remain normal.

That would make sense since most Atypical pups seem to eventually have elevated cortisol as well as elevations in the intermediates.


It is hoped these efforts will help us understanding why Scottish Terriers are predisposed to developing atypical HAC and how best to treat and screen for this disorder.

This was surprising to me. First, it seems we don't see many Scotties here. Two, I didn't know they were prone to Atypical. Since I don't recall a single Scottie (tho that isn't really saying a whole lot :p), I apparently had decided they were one of the lucky breeds that didn't often get Cushing's.

Thanks, Glynda! I will be watching for more info on this research and am going to hope research in other areas of Cushing's is soon coming.

Hugs,
Leslie

[lulusmom]

YAY! Research outside UTK on Atypical Cushing's!

Actually this would not be outside of UTK. Dr. Linda Frank, a veterinarian (I believe a dermatologist) at UTK is or will be heading this study. I remember asking him why his theory was not widely accepted in the veterinary world and he told me because he had an individual, a dermatologist, who was not complimentary of his work. I'm wondering if that person may have been Dr. Frank.