Cushing's Disease in Dogs: Managing a Common Endocrine Disorder

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) is a common condition in middle-aged and older dogs that causes significant chronic discomfort when undiagnosed or poorly managed.

Key Facts

Cushing's disease results from chronic cortisol excess, usually from a pituitary or adrenal tumor
Classic signs include increased thirst and urination, pot-bellied appearance, hair loss, muscle weakness, and panting
It affects primarily dogs over 6 years old; Poodles, Dachshunds, and Boxers are predisposed
Without treatment, dogs experience progressive muscle wasting, susceptibility to infection, and reduced quality of life
Medical management with trilostane or mitotane controls symptoms effectively in most dogs
Diagnosis requires specific cortisol stimulation or suppression tests beyond routine blood panels

Welfare Considerations

Cushing's disease causes chronic, progressive deterioration in quality of life that often develops so gradually that owners attribute symptoms to normal aging. The constant thirst, muscle weakness, pot belly, and skin changes reflect widespread metabolic disruption from cortisol excess. Affected dogs may pant excessively due to elevated cortisol effects on the respiratory center — a sign of chronic discomfort. Medical management with appropriate monitoring normalizes cortisol levels and produces significant improvement in comfort, exercise tolerance, and behavior. Annual wellness screening with appropriate cortisol testing in predisposed middle-aged breeds improves outcomes through early diagnosis.

What You Can Do

Discuss Cushing's disease screening with your veterinarian if your dog shows classic signs
Do not dismiss increased thirst, pot belly, or hair loss in older dogs as normal aging without investigation
Ensure regular monitoring visits and cortisol testing for dogs on Cushing's medication
Work with a veterinary internist for complex or atypical Cushing's disease presentations