Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) causes chronic hormonal excess in dogs, producing a distinctive cluster of symptoms that significantly impair quality of life before diagnosis and during management.
Cushing's disease develops slowly, and many dogs suffer for months or years with chronic cortisol excess before diagnosis. The symptoms are debilitating: muscle weakness makes stairs and play difficult, skin changes cause discomfort and predispose to infections, and polydipsia causes sleep disruption from nocturia. The pot-bellied appearance from abdominal muscle weakness is often interpreted as obesity rather than disease. Treatment is effective but requires vigilant monitoring — the risk window of adrenal crisis means owners must recognize signs of cortisol suppression. Dogs that receive prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment typically show dramatic improvement in energy, coat quality, and behavior.