Companion Animals

Cushing's Disease in Dogs: Welfare and Long-term Management

Managing hyperadrenocorticism to restore normal welfare in dogs with cortisol excess.

Key Facts

Cushing's disease affects approximately 1 in 1000 dogs — most are pituitary-dependent
Causes polyuria, polyphagia, pot-belly, and skin changes through cortisol excess
Mitotane and trilostane are the mainstay medical treatments — each with specific welfare risks
Pituitary-dependent Cushing's can be treated with radiation therapy at specialist centres

Welfare Considerations

Cushing's disease causes chronic welfare compromise — constant hunger and thirst, muscle wasting, and susceptibility to infection impair quality of life. Medical management with trilostane or mitotane restores welfare markedly when dosed correctly. Welfare monitoring includes regular ACTH stimulation testing and early recognition of over-treatment crisis. Well-managed dogs can maintain excellent welfare for years.

What You Can Do

Investigate Cushing's disease in any dog showing polyuria, pot-belly, and skin changes
Monitor ACTH stimulation test results regularly to ensure adequate but not excessive treatment
Recognise signs of Addisonian crisis (trilostane over-suppression) — an emergency requiring immediate treatment