Cushing's Disease

Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, happens when a dog’s body makes too much of a hormone called cortisol.  Cortisol helps a dog respond to stress, control weight, fight infections, and keep the blood sugar levels normal.  Too much or too little of this hormone causes problems.

Many different species of animals, as well as humans, can get Cushing’s syndrome.  In dogs, though, there are two major types that affect them.  The first type is “pituitary dependent” and happens when there is a tumor in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.  This is the most common form, affecting approximately 80-90% of the dogs diagnosed with Cushing’s.  The second type is “adrenal dependent” and comes from a tumor in the adrenal glands that sit on top of the kidneys.  A third and less common type of Cushing’s is called “iatrogenic” and happens after a dog has taken steroids for a long period of time.     

Cushing’s disease is most commonly seen in middle-aged and older dogs, but the warning signs can be difficult to spot.  Symptoms may include being thirstier and hungrier than usual, urinating more often, hair loss, thinning skin, lethargy and inactivity, excessive panting, and the appearance of a pot-belly.  Unfortunately, these symptoms are also common with several other conditions, making Cushing’s disease harder to diagnose.  It is important to report ALL abnormal behaviors or conditions to your veterinarian in order to get an accurate diagnosis.   

Unfortunately there is not one definitive test to diagnose Cushing’s disease.  Instead, the veterinarian will need to do a few different tests to see what is causing the dog’s symptoms and rule out other health problems.  They will most likely start by testing the dog’s blood and urine.  If signs of Cushing’s are present there, they will follow up with hormone screening tests such as  an LDDS (low dose dexamethasone suppression) test.  If Cushing’s is further indicated at this point, they may do an ultrasound of the belly to help see if there is a tumor on the adrenal glands.  This can affect the type of treatment needed. 

Often times, a dog can live a normal and active life with medication to treat this condition, though it will be needed for the rest of his life.  If the condition comes from a tumor on the adrenal glands, the tumor may be able to be removed through surgery, curing the disease.  This is not always possible though, if the tumor has spread or other health problems are present.  If medication is the chosen treatment plan, regular check-ups and blood tests will be necessary to make sure treatment is working. 

Following the dog’s treatment plan and giving the correct medication doses at the correct times will be crucial to the dog’s health and well-being.  In doing so, it will certainly be possible for the dog to live a long and happy life.