Canine Cushings Disease Welfare and Management

Hyperadrenocorticism causes chronic excess cortisol in dogs, producing distinctive signs and significant welfare impact. Effective medical management restores quality of life.

Key Facts

Cushings disease affects around 1 in 1000 dogs, mostly middle-aged to older animals
Pituitary-dependent disease accounts for 85-90% of cases
Classic signs include polydipsia, polyuria, pot belly, muscle wasting, and alopecia
Skin fragility and wound healing impairment cause secondary welfare problems
Trilostane medication provides effective control in most pituitary-dependent cases

Welfare Considerations

Chronic cortisol excess causes diffuse tissue damage that impairs quality of life across multiple systems. Muscle wasting reduces mobility, skin fragility causes wounds that heal poorly, and polydipsia disrupts normal daily activity. Mental dullness is common. Effective trilostane treatment dramatically improves welfare by reducing cortisol to normal levels, with muscle, coat, and behavioural improvement evident within weeks. Adrenal-dependent disease requiring surgery is higher risk but provides definitive cure if successful.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary investigation for dogs showing thirst, hair loss, or pot belly
Complete diagnostic testing including ACTH stimulation or low-dose dexamethasone suppression
Administer trilostane consistently and attend monitoring appointments every 1-3 months
Contact your vet immediately if a Cushings dog seems lethargic or unwell as hypoadrenocorticism can develop