Canine Cushing's Syndrome: Welfare Guide

Key Welfare Considerations

• Cushing's syndrome results from excess cortisol production, typically from pituitary or adrenal tumours.
• Clinical signs include pot-bellied appearance, excessive thirst and urination, hair loss, and skin changes.
• Welfare impacts include chronic discomfort, susceptibility to infections, and reduced activity.
• Pituitary-dependent Cushing's (PDH) accounts for ~85% of cases; adrenal-dependent for ~15%.
• Treatment with trilostane or mitotane can substantially improve welfare when properly managed.
• Regular monitoring of cortisol levels is essential to avoid over- or under-treatment.
• Dogs with untreated Cushing's have significantly elevated stress physiology markers.
• Skin and coat changes cause ongoing discomfort and increase infection risk.
• Muscle weakness reduces mobility and ability to engage in normal behaviours.
• Early diagnosis through ACTH stimulation or low-dose dexamethasone suppression tests improves outcomes.
• Obesity secondary to Cushing's compounds welfare impacts through joint stress.
• Owners require education on monitoring for Addisonian crisis if over-medicated.
• Quality of life assessments should be incorporated into long-term management plans.
• Surgical adrenalectomy may be considered for adrenal-dependent cases with good welfare outcomes.
• Integrating welfare scoring into Cushing's management improves long-term dog wellbeing.