Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) causes chronic hormonal excess that affects every organ system. Proper diagnosis and management significantly improves quality of life for affected dogs.
Cushing's disease causes chronic discomfort through multiple mechanisms: the characteristic skin fragility and infections, muscle weakness, hypertension causing headache-like symptoms, and the metabolic consequences of chronic cortisol excess. Dogs with untreated Cushing's disease gradually deteriorate, often masked by the 'pot-belly' and lethargy being misattributed to weight gain and aging. Treatment dramatically improves quality of life - within weeks of effective treatment, most dogs show improved energy, reduced water intake, and gradual improvement in coat and muscle condition. The welfare case for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is strong, but the monitoring requirements of medical treatment are significant.