Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in middle-aged and older dogs, causing chronic discomfort and secondary health complications that require long-term medical management.
Cushing's disease imposes a chronic welfare burden through the systemic effects of cortisol excess. Affected dogs are perpetually thirsty, weak, and prone to skin and bladder infections that cause pain and discomfort. The pot-bellied appearance and muscle wasting reflect genuine physical decline that limits mobility and quality of life. Diagnosis can be delayed because signs develop gradually and owners may attribute them to normal aging. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improves welfare outcomes. Treatment with trilostane requires careful dose calibration — too little leaves the dog cortisol-excess; too much risks an Addisonian crisis. Regular monitoring is non-negotiable. Dogs with well-controlled Cushing's can have excellent quality of life for years; the challenge is the commitment to ongoing testing and dose adjustment that optimal management requires.