Issue 1 - July 2011
MidWestVeterinary

Don't Let Cushing's Disease

Crush Your Clinical Confidence.

 

Similar to all endocrine diseases, hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) is a functional disease. There is NO single spot-test that may make the diagnosis - the only way to diagnose HAC is through a series of tests that challenge and test the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Compared to other endocrinopathies, HAC may be particularly difficult to diagnose because the production of cortisol and sex hormones by the adrenal cortex is episodic, unpredictable, and fairly volatile. Quite simply, testing is inherently more tedious than for other endocrine diseases.

 

Dr. Christopher G. Byers has extensive knowledge of the diagnosis and management of hyperadrenocorticism. He is able to perform screening and differentiating tests, including:

 

    ·   Adrenal profiles

    ·   ACTH stimulation tests

    ·   Low-dose dexamethasone suppression tests

    ·   High-dose dexamethasone suppression tests

    ·   Abdominal ultrasounds

    ·   Endogenous ACTH levels

    ·   Urine cortisol:creatinine ratios

 

Dr. Byers is also able to prescribe the most appropriate therapies for your patient's specific needs. As a major participant in the FDA clinical trial seeking trilostane (Vetoryl) approval in the United States, he has unique experience with this medication, and has provided long-term management with both trilostane and mitotane (Lysodren) for hundreds of patients.

 

Christopher Byers

 

 

 

 

 

To refer a patient suspected of living with HAC or for management of this common clinical condition, please call Dr. Byers at 402-614-9000.

 

Christopher G. Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM)

© 2011 MidWest Veterinary Specialty Hospital. All rights reserved.

 

9706 Mockingbird Dr.   I   Omaha, NE 68127   I   P: 402-614-9000    I   F: 402-614-5445  

www.midwestvetspecialists.com