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  • Cushing's disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands overproduce certain hormones. The most common cause of Cushing's disease is a pituitary gland tumor. Cushing's disease may also be the result of a benign or malignant tumor of the adrenal gland itself, or may be caused from the excessive administration of an oral or injectable steroid. Clinical signs, treatment, and prognosis are discussed.

  • Cushing's disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is the overproduction of cortisol hormone by a dog's body. The clinical signs of Cushing's disease are similar, regardless of the underlying cause of the disease. However, it is essential to identify the type of Cushing's disease as the treatment and prognosis differ slightly depending upon the form of the disease.

  • Treatment for Cushing's disease using mitotane involves two phases: initiating phase and maintenance phase. Monitoring your dog's food and water intake is very important. This handout provides detailed treatment instructions for dogs prescribed mitotane. Follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully.

  • A cutaneous histiocytoma is a common benign (harmless) tumor of the skin in dogs, typically younger ones. Their development, appearance, diagnosis, and treatment are explained in this handout.

  • Cutaneous histiocytosis is an uncommon condition in dogs. It is a non-cancerous increase in the number of reactive cells (histiocytes) caused by an immune system dysfunction. It generally manifests as multiple bumps and nodules confined to the dog's skin. The clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition are explained in this handout.

  • Lymphoma is a type of cancer that is common in dogs. When it occurs in the skin, it is called cutaneous lymphoma, but this form is quite rare. Canine cutaneous lymphoma can present various clinical signs, including itching, alopecia (hair loss), scaly skin, skin redness, loss of skin color, ulcers, nodules, pustules, and plaques.

  • Cuterebra is the scientific name of the North American rabbit or rodent botfly. Cuterebra larvae burrow into the skin of certain animal hosts, leaving a small hole in the skin that can become infected. Signs and treatment are discussed.

  • Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are microscopic bacteria found in fresh water, brackish water, and salt water. All animals, including dogs, cats, horses, livestock, mammals, fish, birds, and humans are susceptible to the toxins produced by cyanobacteria.

  • Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12 or cobalamin) is a vitamin supplement used to treat systemic deficiencies of vitamin B12 due to metabolic or genetic disorders. It has been used in the treatment of some forms of anemia, cobalt deficiency, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, chronic enteropathies, and other conditions.

  • Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes of the body caused by inadequate oxygen levels. Cyanosis is an emergency, and the root cause may be life-threatening and may or may not be reversible. Once back home, homecare instructions must be followed carefully.