Hyperadrenocorticism, commonly called Cushing disease, causes chronic hormonal imbalance and significant welfare impacts in dogs that require long-term management.
Cushing disease causes chronic discomfort and deterioration that profoundly affects quality of life. Dogs with untreated Cushing disease are persistently thirsty, urinate frequently including at night causing house-soiling distress, develop pot-bellied weak musculature, lose their coat, and become increasingly lethargic. The excess cortisol causes persistent immunosuppression, skin fragility and susceptibility to infections. Many owners attribute early signs to normal ageing, meaning dogs suffer for extended periods before diagnosis. Effective treatment significantly improves quality of life, making recognition and management a meaningful welfare intervention.