Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) causes excess cortisol production in dogs, leading to a characteristic constellation of signs that significantly impact quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improve welfare outcomes.
Cushing's disease welfare impact is cumulative and chronic — affected dogs experience progressive muscle wasting reducing mobility, skin fragility causing recurrent infections, abnormal fat deposition, and the discomfort of polydipsia and polyuria requiring frequent outdoor access. The characteristic pot-bellied appearance reflects abdominal muscle weakness and fat redistribution — not simply weight gain. Medical treatment with trilostane significantly improves quality of life in most dogs: energy returns, muscle tone improves, and polydipsia resolves as cortisol normalises. Monitoring requires ACTH stimulation testing every 3 months initially — too much treatment risks Addisonian crisis (adrenal insufficiency), too little provides no welfare benefit. Treating hypertension and addressing secondary infections are important adjunctive measures. Dogs with pituitary macroadenomas may develop neurological signs requiring radiation therapy. Prognosis with treatment is generally good — several years of good quality life is achievable with appropriate management.