Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Hyperadrenocorticism Welfare Management

Cushing's syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism) causes chronic discomfort and increased disease risk in dogs. Effective management significantly improves welfare.

Key Facts

Pituitary-dependent Cushing's accounts for 80-85% of cases
Signs include PU/PD, pot-bellied appearance, muscle wasting, and skin changes
Trilostane is the first-line medical treatment in many countries
Adrenal-dependent Cushing's may be surgically curable
Untreated Cushing's significantly reduces quality of life and lifespan

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with unmanaged Cushing's syndrome suffer from multiple simultaneous problems - excessive thirst and urination disrupting sleep, muscle weakness, pot-belly affecting movement, skin fragility, and increased susceptibility to infections. Medical management that reduces cortisol excess improves all these issues, dramatically improving quality of life.

What You Can Do

Recognize the classic signs of Cushing's syndrome in middle-aged and older dogs
Seek veterinary diagnosis and treatment rather than accepting signs as normal aging
Monitor trilostane-treated dogs for signs of under or over-treatment
Schedule regular monitoring checks as recommended for treated dogs