Bringing home a new puppy, kitten, or adopted pet? Enjoy a free first exam, free parasite prevention, and more with our Welcome Home savings!

New Pet Exam & Preventive Care Savings | Welcome Home

Shop your veterinarian's online pharmacy for pet medications, preventatives, and prescription food. Enjoy home delivery, AutoShip, and savings.

Online Veterinary Pharmacy: Home Delivery & Savings

Keep your dog or cat safe this Halloween with tips for managing anxiety, preventing escapes, avoiding toxic treats, and reducing holiday hazards.

Halloween Safety for Pets: 5 Tips for Dogs and Cats

Learn how to recognize signs your pet may be overweight and discover simple ways to support a healthy weight through nutrition, activity, and veterinary care.

Pet Obesity Awareness Month: Healthy Weight Tips

Prepare your pet for the unexpected this National Preparedness Month with tips for emergency kits, evacuation plans, identification, medications, and more.

National Preparedness Month: How to Prepare Your Pet for an Emergency

Sat Apr 05 2025 01:45:19 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time)

Demanes Animal Hospital

about-us-page

our-history-section

our-teams-section

We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care along with friendly, compassionate service.

why-us-section

app-download-page

download-app-section

blogs-page

blogs-section

book-appointment-page

book-appointment-section

Embedded content

care-memberships

care-plan

career-page

careers-section

Dr. Roy Madigan, D.V.M., is not just a veterinarian. He is one of the leading experts in canine Chagas disease in the United States.
<br><br>
• Founder of Vida Pharmacal, focused on breakthrough parasitic disease treatments
<br>• Filed the first veterinary drug patent for anti-T. cruzi activity in dogs
<br>• Principal scientist for the U.S. military working dog Chagas treatment study
<br>• Veterinary lead for the Texas Chagas Task Force alongside the CDC and UT Health
<br>• Pioneer in developing diagnostic and treatment protocols for infected dogs
<br><br>
Your pet is being treated by the same expert helping shape how Chagas disease is understood nationwide.

Get In Touch

Chagas disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is identified:
<br><br>
<br>• The more treatment options are available
<br>• The better heart damage can be managed
<br>• The higher the chance of improving quality of life
<br><br>
Waiting can mean irreversible cardiac damage.

<b>Early Detection. Advanced Treatment. Led by One of the Nation’s Top Experts.</b>

<b>Do not wait for symptoms to appear.</b>

Chagas disease is often silent early on, but warning signs may include:
<br>
<br>• Lethargy or decreased activity
<br>• Fainting or collapse
<br>• Irregular heartbeat
<br>• Difficulty breathing
<br>• Unexplained weight loss
<br><br>
If your dog spends time outdoors, lives in Central Texas, or has been exposed to insects, they may be at risk even without symptoms.

If your dog may have been exposed to kissing bugs, do not wait. Chagas disease can silently damage the heart before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis can make the difference.

At Central Texas Vet, we go beyond standard testing.
Dr. Madigan is actively developing advanced serologic testing methods to improve detection accuracy.
<br><br>
Your dog’s evaluation may include:
<br>
<br>• Comprehensive physical exam
<br>• Cardiac screening
<br>• Specialized blood testing for T. cruzi
<br>• Advanced diagnostics when needed
<br><br>
Early detection allows for better management and improved outcomes.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by “kissing bugs” commonly found in Texas.
Once infected, dogs may appear normal while the parasite attacks the heart and other organs.
<br><br>
Without intervention, Chagas can lead to:
<br>
<br>• Heart disease
<br>• Arrhythmias
<br>• Sudden death

Questions? We Have Answers

If your dog may be at risk, schedule an evaluation today and get answers from one of the leading experts in the field.

chagas-disease

<p dir="auto">At The Animal Hospital of Smithson Valley, we go beyond standard testing.</p><p dir="auto">Dr. Madigan is actively developing advanced serologic testing methods to improve detection accuracy.</p><p dir="auto">Your dog’s evaluation may include:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Comprehensive physical exam</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Cardiac screening</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Specialized blood testing for T. cruzi</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Advanced diagnostics when needed</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">Early detection allows for better management and improved outcomes.</p>

<p dir="auto">Dr. Roy Madigan, D.V.M., is not just a veterinarian. He is one of the leading experts in canine Chagas disease in the United States.</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Founder of Vida Pharmacal, focused on breakthrough parasitic disease treatments</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Filed the first veterinary drug patent for anti-T. cruzi activity in dogs</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Principal scientist for the U.S. military working dog Chagas treatment study</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Veterinary lead for the Texas Chagas Task Force alongside the CDC and UT Health</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Pioneer in developing diagnostic and treatment protocols for infected dogs</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">Your pet is being treated by the same expert helping shape how Chagas disease is understood nationwide.</p>

<p dir="auto">Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by “kissing bugs” commonly found in Texas.</p><p dir="auto">Once infected, dogs may appear normal while the parasite attacks the heart and other organs.</p><p dir="auto">Without intervention, Chagas can lead to:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Sudden death</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Heart disease</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Arrhythmias</p></li></ul><p dir="auto"></p>

<p dir="auto">Chagas disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is identified:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">The more treatment options are available</p></li><li><p dir="auto">The better heart damage can be managed</p></li><li><p dir="auto">The higher the chance of improving quality of life</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">Waiting can mean irreversible cardiac damage.</p>

<p dir="auto">Chagas disease is often silent early on, but warning signs may include:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Lethargy or decreased activity</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Fainting or collapse</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Irregular heartbeat</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Difficulty breathing</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Unexplained weight loss</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">If your dog spends time outdoors, lives in Central Texas, or has been exposed to insects, they may be at risk even without symptoms.</p>

chagas-disease-ahsv

Chagas disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is identified:
<br><br>
<br>• The more treatment options are available
<br>• The better heart damage can be managed
<br>• The higher the chance of improving quality of&nbsp; life
<br><br>
Waiting can mean irreversible cardiac damage.<div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

Chagas disease is often silent early on, but warning signs may include:
<br>
<br>• Lethargy or decreased activity
<br>• Fainting or collapse
<br>• Irregular heartbeat
<br>• Difficulty breathing
<br>• Unexplained weight loss
<br><br>
If your dog spends time outdoors, lives in Central Texas, or has been exposed to insects, they may be at risk even without symptoms.<div><br></div><div><br></div>

chagas-disease-ctv

Please call (309) 686-1383 to book an appointment, or "Request an Appointment" in the widget below.

contact-us

copy-of-chagas-disease

Accordion Title

#1f2937

forms-page

form-section

get-in-touch

landing-page

contact-us-section

cta-bar

emergency-branches

faq-section

footer-section

hero-section

navigation-section

otto-widget-section

our-services-section

testimonials-section

vetstoria-widget-section

Financial Aid:

Obedience:

Local Dog Parks:

Boarding Kennels In Our Area:

Microchipping:

Doggie Daycare in our Area:

Adoptions:

General Information:

links-and-resources

news-page

our-history-page

Our <b>East Side Entrance</b> is located on Early Street, across from the Hanover Apartment Building. Our <b>North Side Entrance</b> is located on Irby Avenue, across from Woody’s Cheesesteak.

parking

payment-info-page

payment-information-section

payment-section-3

promotions

services-page

service-page-section

team-page

teams-page-section

video-page

pixel_google

pixel_facebook

Header Cookie Consent - 671f33c5d8e9f7c6b5f082c9

cookie_settings_1750955345987

<button id="ot-sdk-btn" class="ot-sdk-show-settings">Cookie Settings</button>
 

cookie_list_1750955346272

cookie_microsoft

<h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>What Is Cushing’s Disease In Dogs?</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">Cushing's, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a disease that occurs most commonly in dogs when their adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that is released under stressful events. Cortisol is needed for normal bodily function, but when too much cortisol is produced, it can have harmful consequences.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">Cushing’s Disease can be either pituitary-dependent or non-pituitary-dependent. About 80% of patients with Cushing’s Disease have pituitary-dependent Cushing’s. Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease is caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary gland. This tumor causes the pituitary gland to tell the adrenal gland to overproduce the cortisol hormone. The other 20% of Cushing’s Disease is where dogs overproduce cortisol due to a tumor on the adrenal gland. The tumor on the adrenal gland is often malignant.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Cushing’s Disease?</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">It can be hard to recognize the clinical signs at home since they are often nonspecific. Dogs with Cushing’s Disease will often drink more, urinate more, have an <strong>increased appetite</strong>, may lose hair on their body and tail, have increased panting, darkening of the skin, recurrent urinary tract or <strong>skin infections</strong>, and they can have a potbellied appearance. Your veterinarian will need to do <strong>diagnostic tests</strong> to determine if your dog has Cushing’s Disease, since it cannot be diagnosed only by clinical signs.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px"><strong>General bloodwork</strong> will help rule in or out other <strong>illnesses and diseases</strong> that can also cause the above clinical signs. There can also be several abnormal values in general bloodwork that may make your veterinarian suspicious of Cushing’s Disease. There is another screening test that can be done called a urine cortisol: creatinine ratio. This test cannot officially diagnose Cushing’s Disease, but if the ratio is elevated, then additional, more specific testing would be required. If the cortisol: creatinine ratio comes back normal, then it is more unlikely that Cushing’s is a concern. The two other more specific tests are the Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test and the ACTH Stimulation Test. The Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test can often distinguish between pituitary-dependent and non-pituitary-dependent Cushing’s.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>My Dog Has Been Diagnosed With Cushing's Disease. What's Next For His Care?</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">After your dog is diagnosed with Cushing’s, you will have to decide if you want to treat him or not. If a dog with Cushing’s Disease is having clinical signs, treatment is normally recommended. Without treatment, the clinical signs such as increased urination, skin issues, etc., will most likely get worse. Dogs with untreated Cushing’s may also have a hard time healing and recovering from infections. If your dog doesn’t have any clinical signs, treatment is not necessarily recommended since the <strong>medication</strong> will not prolong your pet’s life. In patients with clinical signs of Cushing’s, treatment is often recommended because it makes the patient feel better and usually helps control the clinical signs. Treatment usually involves medication, but when a tumor is present on the adrenal gland, <strong>surgery</strong> may be recommended. Unfortunately, Cushing’s is often an expensive disease to treat. The medication can be costly, and there is a lot of monitoring with bloodwork that will be needed over the rest of your dog’s life.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px"></p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">Dogs with Cushing’s Disease can develop other diseases or have concurrent diseases at the same time. These diseases can include diabetes, high blood pressure, and sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS), to name a few. Owners need to be prepared that if their dog has Cushing’s Disease, they may need to treat other diseases as well.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">There is no way to prevent Cushing’s Disease, but <strong>regular exams</strong>, annual bloodwork screening, and recognizing potential clinical signs can lead to an early diagnosis. The advantage of an early diagnosis is the ability to manage clinical signs earlier and possibly diagnose other diseases associated with Cushing’s so that treatment can be started sooner and hopefully help your pet have a more comfortable life.</p>

Cushing's, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a disease that occurs most commonly in dogs when their adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that is released under stressful events. Cortisol is needed for normal bodily function, but when too much cortisol is produced, it can have harmful consequences.

Cushing's Disease In Dogs

facebook_pixel_67f03dd653dc857452f00d38

gtm_67f03dd653dc857452f00d38

Join our veterinary team at Demanes Animal Hospital!

demanesanimalhospital

Please select from the below forms to get started:

Compassionate and quality care for your pet.

Easily book your next appointment online or give us a call, well find a time that works best for you.

Served over 10,000 fur babies and their happy families.

With Otto, we are continuing our commitment to providing exceptional care for your furry friends!

Connect with Demanes Animal Hospital on the Otto App!

<p>To help us provide the best care possible, payment is required at the time of service. We accept cash and all major credit cards, and we are happy to offer a no-interest payment plan through CareCredit.</p>

CareCredit

Trupanion Pet Insurance

ScratchPay

Mr. Dog Training

Tree Frog Farm Personalized – Dog Training and Agility

Brunswick Maine Dog Park

Great Island Kennel

Pet Sitters of Maine

The Brown Dog Inn

Camp Bow Wow

Falmouth Happy Cats

Home Again

The Blue Dog Daycare

Happy Paws Unleashed

Midcoast Humane

Passion for Pets Rescue Organization

Coastal Maine Great Dane Rescue

VeterinaryPartner.com

The Indoor Pet Initiative

Feline Fix by Five

Traveling Out of the Country with Your Pet

AAHA Pet Health Library

Pet Poison Control

Free Exam for New Clients! See Below for Details.

Referring Vet

Consult Online

Online Store

Pet Portal

Forms

Download App

Appt. Request

Below are some answers to our most common questions.

Additional Services

General Services

Speciality Services

Give us a call, and we will find a time that works best for you.

A sudden limp. A skipped meal. A look that says something's off. When your pet isn't feeling right, same-day answers make all the difference. 

Urgent Care

Nutrition is the foundation of good health, and a powerful tool in managing weight, energy, chronic conditions, and even behavior.

Pet Nutrition

When pets act out, there's almost always a reason. Anxiety, fear, medical conditions, or past trauma can show up as barking, biting, hiding, or destruction. Our job is to uncover the cause and help your pet feel safe again.

Pet Behavior & Anxiety Support

We are committed to offering exceptional ophthalmology treatment.

Veterinary Ophthalmology

Skin issues are one of the most common reasons pets end up at the vet, and they're also some of the most frustrating. Allergies, infections, or even food sensitivities can all cause your pet discomfort.

Dermatology & Allergy Care

When your pet needs medication, trust and convenience matter. At (), we prescribe and dispense medications directly from the team whos seen your pet, knows their health history, and understands their specific needs.
No guessing, no delays, and no unnecessary confusion.


Pet Prescriptions

Saying goodbye is the hardest part of loving a pet. When that time comes, you deserve clarity, comfort, and the space to make decisions with peace of mind.

End-of-Life Support

Enhance your pet's recovery and mobility with custom rehabilitation at (). Our expert team uses therapeutic exercise, laser therapy, and underwater treadmill sessions to reduce pain, rebuild strength, and restore comfort. Schedule your pet's rehab consultation today.

Pet Rehabilitation

Your pet can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why regular wellness exams are so important. These visits give us the chance to catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly.  

Wellness Exams

Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

Dental Care

Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are not just a nuisance, they are dangerous. These tiny pests can cause serious health issues like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and tapeworms. 

Parasite Prevention

Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect pets from serious, often deadly diseases. Whether you have a rambunctious or a relaxed pet, vaccinations help your pet build strong immunity and avoid preventable illness.

Vaccinations

Comprehensive surgical services, from routine procedures to complex operations, all are performed with expert care.

Pet Surgeries

When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

Diagnostic Testing

When pets get sick or injured, you want answers fast. Advanced imaging gives us a deeper look, without invasive procedures.

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging

Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important decisions you can make for their long-term health. It helps prevent certain cancers and infections, curbs unwanted behaviors, and reduces the number of orphaned pets in shelters.

Spay And Neuter

Permanent ID for Peace of Mind. A collar can come off. A tag can get lost. But a microchip is a permanent, tamper-proof way to make sure your pet always has a way home. At (), we offer safe and simple microchip implantation, so your pet stays connected to you, no matter what.

Sheet title

Cushing's Disease In Dogs

Recent Blogs

Related Blogs

Why Do Cats Vomit Hairballs and How to Prevent?

How to Remove a Tick from a Dog?

Feline Leukemia: Symptoms and Treatments for Cats

FAQs Of Demanes Animal Hospital

Sheet title

Cushing's Disease In Dogs

Recent Blogs

New Pet Exam & Preventive Care Savings | Welcome Home

Online Veterinary Pharmacy: Home Delivery & Savings

Halloween Safety for Pets: 5 Tips for Dogs and Cats

Related Blogs

Why Do Cats Vomit Hairballs and How to Prevent?

How to Remove a Tick from a Dog?

Feline Leukemia: Symptoms and Treatments for Cats

FAQs Of Demanes Animal Hospital

How can new clients claim a free veterinary exam for their pet?

Do you accept walk-ins?

Is Demanes Animal Hospital open on Saturdays?

How often should I bring my pet to the vet for a check-up?

Do you offer pet dental care services?

What are the most common health issues for senior pets?