Hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing disease, is a common hormonal disorder in middle-aged and older dogs that causes progressive discomfort and requires careful management to maintain quality of life.
Cushing disease causes a constellation of symptoms that progressively reduce quality of life over months to years. The chronic cortisol excess causes muscle weakness, skin fragility, immune suppression, and behavioral changes including restlessness and increased anxiety. Calcinosis cutis deposits cause localized pain and are prone to secondary infection. Many owners are unaware that their dog is suffering, attributing signs to normal aging. Treatment with trilostane requires careful monitoring and dose adjustment, as over-suppression of cortisol can cause acute adrenal crisis. With appropriate management, most dogs with Cushing disease maintain good quality of life for years. Regular monitoring and owner education about warning signs enable timely intervention.