Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) is a common endocrine disorder in middle-aged and older dogs that causes multiple welfare harms if untreated.
Cushing's disease causes multifaceted welfare harms: the constant urge to drink and urinate disrupts normal daily life, muscle weakness reduces mobility and quality of life, skin fragility causes secondary infections, and the pot-bellied appearance reflects significant abdominal muscle weakness. Dogs with untreated Cushing's often appear lethargic, sleep excessively, and show reduced enjoyment of activities they previously loved. Medical management that normalizes cortisol levels reliably improves quality of life and restores normal behavioral patterns.