Companion Dog Cushing's Disease Welfare

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) causes progressive welfare compromise in dogs - diagnosis and treatment dramatically improve quality of life.

Key Facts

Cushing's disease results from excess cortisol production from pituitary or adrenal tumours
It affects middle-aged to older dogs with Poodles, Dachshunds, and Boxers among the more common breeds
Signs include pot belly, increased thirst and urination, hair loss, muscle weakness, and skin changes
Diagnosis requires ACTH stimulation or low-dose dexamethasone suppression tests
Trilostane is the most commonly used treatment in the UK reducing cortisol production
Quality of life improves substantially with appropriate treatment and monitoring

Welfare Considerations

Cushing's disease causes progressive and insidious welfare deterioration over months to years before diagnosis. The combination of muscle weakness, skin problems, increased thirst, and anxiety creates significant quality of life compromise. Prompt diagnosis and treatment restore welfare substantially in most dogs.

What You Can Do

Ask your vet about Cushing's disease testing if your middle-aged dog has increased thirst, pot belly, or hair loss
Ensure regular monitoring of cortisol levels during trilostane treatment
Watch for signs of over-treatment including lethargy and reduced appetite
Monitor your dog's quality of life actively during treatment to detect early problems
Support research into improved diagnostic and treatment approaches for Cushing's disease