Dog Cushing's Disease Management and Welfare

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) is a common hormonal disorder in older dogs that causes significant welfare compromise but is highly manageable with appropriate treatment.

Key Facts

Cushing's disease affects an estimated 1-2% of dogs, primarily over 6 years of age
Signs include increased thirst and urination, pot-bellied appearance, hair loss and muscle weakness
Most cases are caused by pituitary gland tumours driving excess cortisol production
Trilostane and mitotane are the main medical treatments, each requiring careful monitoring
Untreated Cushing's disease causes chronic cortisol excess with wide-ranging systemic effects

Welfare Considerations

Cushing's disease causes systemic cortisol excess that affects virtually every body system. Chronic cortisol elevation causes muscle wasting, immune suppression, hypertension and skin changes. Dogs with untreated Cushing's are essentially in a state of chronic physiological stress. The clinical signs — panting, restlessness, large abdomen — impair quality of life significantly. Treatment with trilostane is effective and well-tolerated when properly monitored. The disease can be confused with normal ageing, delaying diagnosis. Annual blood screening of dogs over 7 with suggestive signs enables earlier diagnosis and treatment, preventing prolonged welfare compromise.

What You Can Do

Discuss Cushing's disease screening with your vet for dogs over 7 showing increased thirst or panting
Monitor dogs on Cushing's treatment closely — ACTH stimulation testing is essential for safety
Report treatment side effects promptly — both under and over-treatment have welfare implications
Manage concurrent conditions including diabetes and hypertension that often accompany Cushing's