Cushing’s Disease 

What is Cushing’s Disease?

Cushing’s disease (also known as hyperadrenocorticism) is a fairly common condition in dogs that causes the body to produce too much of the stress hormone cortisol. This usually happens because of a small tumour in either the pituitary gland (in the brain — the most common cause) or the adrenal gland (near the kidneys). These tumours release hormones that trigger the body to make extra cortisol, leading to the typical signs of Cushing’s disease.

Cushing’s is most often seen in middle-aged to older dogs. Some breeds, such as Bichon Frise, Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Maltese, and Jack Russell Terriers, may be more prone to developing it, but it can affect any breed.

Common Signs

Dogs with Cushing’s disease may show some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Drinking and urinating more than usual

  • Increased appetite

  • A pot-bellied or enlarged abdomen

  • Hair loss (often on both sides of the body)

  • Panting, tiredness, or muscle weakness

  • Recurrent skin or ear infections

  • Thinning or fragile skin

Less commonly, dogs may show more serious symptoms such as breathing difficulties, neurological issues, or abdominal pain/shock (if a tumour ruptures).  

Diagnosis

There are a few different tests that can help diagnose Cushing’s disease. Some are used as screening tests, while others provide a definite diagnosis — the latter includes the ACTH stimulation test and the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST). Thanks to advances in veterinary technology, these tests can now be done in-house on our state-of-the-art analysers, meaning almost immediate results.

Treatment

Treatment depends on whether the disease comes from the pituitary or adrenal gland, but in most cases, it’s managed with a daily oral medication called trilostane. This medicine works by safely reducing cortisol production.

Regular blood tests are very important while on treatment to make sure your pet’s cortisol levels stay within a safe range — too much suppression can be dangerous.

Outlook

Most dogs respond really well to treatment and can enjoy a great quality of life. Controlling cortisol levels not only improves how your dog feels day-to-day but also strengthens your relationship with your pet. It also helps reduce the risk of serious complications like blood clots, gall bladder disease, high blood pressure, bladder stones, diabetes, and blindness.