Canine hyperadrenocorticism causes progressive multi-system disease with welfare impacts from both the disease itself and treatment side effects, requiring careful long-term management and quality of life monitoring.
Cushing disease causes insidious, progressive welfare decline. Dogs gain abdominal fat while losing muscle mass, reducing their ability to exercise and play. Skin becomes thin and prone to infection. Excessive thirst and urination disrupt normal sleep patterns and can cause house-training failures that create owner frustration. Treatment carries its own risks including life-threatening acute adrenal insufficiency. Regular monitoring and quality of life assessment are essential to balance disease control against treatment burden.