Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is a common endocrine disorder in older dogs causing a distinctive cluster of signs that require specific diagnostic testing to confirm.
Dogs with untreated Cushing's disease experience chronic discomfort from the metabolic effects of cortisol excess - muscle wasting, skin fragility, increased infection risk, and persistent lethargy. The pot-bellied appearance reflects muscle loss and organ enlargement that impair normal activity. Polyuria causes indoor accidents that stress dogs accustomed to appropriate elimination. Effective medical management dramatically improves quality of life, making accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment a major welfare priority in older dogs.