Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) is a common endocrine condition in middle-aged and older dogs that causes significant welfare impacts if untreated. Effective management improves quality of life substantially.
Cushing's disease causes chronic welfare compromise that is often misattributed to normal aging. The excess cortisol causes muscle wasting, lethargy, skin fragility, and pot-bellied appearance alongside the more noticeable signs of thirst and urination. Affected dogs often seem uncomfortable and less like themselves — less playful, less engaged, more lethargic. Treatment with trilostane, carefully monitored, restores cortisol levels to normal and dramatically improves quality of life. The welfare investment in diagnosis and ongoing monitoring is repaid in years of better daily wellbeing for affected dogs.