Adrenal-dependent Cushings disease in dogs results from a functional adrenal tumour producing excess cortisol, requiring different management from the more common pituitary-dependent form.
Adrenal-dependent Cushings causes the same constellation of signs as pituitary-dependent disease — pot belly, muscle wasting, excessive drinking and urination, skin changes — with the additional risk of malignancy. Dogs with Cushings suffer from muscle weakness, susceptibility to infections, and systemic effects of chronic cortisol excess that impair quality of life. Surgical cure is possible for benign adrenal tumours and offers the best long-term outcome. Medical management is effective for inoperable cases. Careful post-surgical monitoring for adrenal insufficiency is critical, as the remaining adrenal gland may be suppressed after chronic cortisol excess.