ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY

Animal Physiology

Table Of Content

Animal Physiology3

Abstract3

I. Introduction and thesis3

II. Cortisol and Animal Cushings Disease4

Symptoms5

III. Canine Cushings Disease6

Symptoms of Canine Cushings Disease7

Diagnosing Cushings Disease in Dogs8

Cushings Disease Treatment8

IV. Equine Cushings Disease8

Diagnosis10

Treatment of Equine Cushing's disease11

V. Cortisol and Addison's Disease13

VI. Cortisol and Osteoporosis14

VII. Cortisol and Bone Disease16

A. Management and prevention17

VIII. Cortisol and Diabetes18

IX. Cortisol and Obesity19

X. Cortisol and Insulin Resistance20

XI. Cortisol and Heart Disease21

XII. Conclusion23

Annotated Bibliography25

References29

Animal Physiology

Abstract

The recognition that glucocorticoid excess produces hypertension led to study the role of cortisol in the major hypertension, but it is only in the last decade, a sign of support for the concept. Despite the widespread assumption that cortisol raises blood pressure, as a consequence of renal sodium retention are some of the data in accordance with the concept. Although it has many actions on the brain, heart and blood vessels, kidneys, and body fluid compartments, precisely how cortisol increases blood pressure remains unclear. Candidate mechanisms currently being studied inhibition of nitric oxide vasodilator system and an increase in vasoconstrictor concentration of Erythropoietin.

I. Introduction and thesis

Cushing's disease is a slowly progressive condition that is a result of abnormally high levels of cortisol in the body. Although the disease can occur in any breed of horse, it is more common in Morgans and some pony breeds. It can occur in horses of both sexes and in animals of all ages; however, it seems to be more common in older animals. Although a relatively rare disease when compared to other horse diseases, Cushing's disease is showing up more often. One reason for this is because horses, like humans, are living longer due to advances in health care and nutrition. Cushing's disease can be found in humans, dogs, horses and other mammals. This disease is also known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), hyperadrenocorticism, equine Cushing's disease (ECD) and Cushing's syndrome. Metabolic syndrome, also known as peripheral Cushing's syndrome, is a different ailment that has many of the same symptoms of Cushing's disease. Clinicians say it could be a factor in horses that develop Cushing's disease.

II. Cortisol and Animal Cushings Disease

The pituitary is a little gland established beside the groundwork of the brain. It regulates nearly all of the body's endocrine (hormonal) systems. It is often called the "master gland." The hypothalamus, established beside the pituitary, works in conjunction with the pituitary gland to regulate the body's systems. Hormones made by the pituitary and hypothalamus leverage the adrenal glands to make or not make cortisol (Nye et. al., 1999, 3648-55).

Cortisol is a steroid hormone made by the body's paired adrenal glands, expressly by the gland's cortex or outside layer. The adrenal glands in horses with Cushing's disease have, for one cause or another, a broken "off switch" and make too much cortisol. Excess cortisol results in numerous distinct difficulties all through the horse's body. The following register comprises some of the normal functions of cortisol in the body:

It sustains the animal's blood force and heart function.

It decreases the immune system's answer to infection and ...