Most people hear the term Cushing’s disease and think of a condition that affects humans — but dogs can get it too. And if your pup was just diagnosed, or you’re wondering whether his symptoms might point to Cushing’s, you probably have a lot of questions.
Here’s a simple, complete guide to what Cushing’s disease is, what causes it, what symptoms to look for and how it’s treated.
What Is Cushing’s Disease?
Cushing’s disease (also called Cushing’s syndrome or hyperadrenocorticism) happens when a dog’s body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid hormone.
Cortisol helps regulate:
- Weight
- Blood sugar
- Immune function
- The body’s stress response
So when cortisol levels stay too high for too long, it throws your dog’s whole system off balance and leads to a wide range of symptoms.
What Causes Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?
Cushing’s can occur naturally or as a side effect of medication. There are two major natural types:
1. Pituitary-Dependent Cushing’s (most common)
- Accounts for about 80% of cases
- Caused by a small tumor on the pituitary gland in the brain
- The tumor disrupts normal communication between the pituitary gland and the adrenal glands, causing both adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol
2. Adrenal-Dependent Cushing’s
- Represents about 15% of cases
- Caused by a tumor on one of the adrenal glands near the kidneys
- Can be benign or malignant (cancerous)
3. Iatrogenic Cushing’s (medication-related)
Some dogs develop Cushing’s after receiving too many steroids — either orally, by injection or even through heavy use of topical steroid creams or sprays.
Which Dogs Are at Higher Risk?
While any dog can develop Cushing’s, it’s most often seen in middle-aged or senior dogs. Certain breeds are more prone to it, including:
- Beagles
- Boston terriers
- Dachshunds
- German shepherds
- Poodles
Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease in Dogs
The most common early sign pet parents notice is:
• Increased thirst and more frequent urination
Other symptoms include:
- Heavy panting
- A round, pot-bellied appearance
- Thinning hair or hair loss
- Darker skin pigmentation
- Thin, fragile skin
- Muscle weakness or loss of muscle tone
Symptoms usually come on slowly, which is why Cushing’s can be easy to miss at first. Regular vet exams (once a year for adult dogs, twice a year for dogs over 7) are crucial for catching issues early.
How Is Cushing’s Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Cushing’s can take time — there’s no single foolproof test. Your vet may start with:
Routine bloodwork and urinalysis
These might show:
- Elevated liver enzymes
- High cholesterol
- High blood sugar
- Extra protein in the urine
If results look suspicious, your vet may run specific hormone tests, such as:
- ACTH stimulation test
- Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDS)
Imaging — like X-rays, ultrasound, CT or MRI — may be recommended to look for adrenal or pituitary tumors and guide treatment decisions.
It may sound complicated, but the main takeaway: diagnosing Cushing’s often requires multiple steps and patience.
Treatment Options for Cushing’s Disease
Because Cushing’s impacts so many systems in the body, working closely with your vet is essential.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
1. Adrenal tumors
If the tumor is operable, surgery may remove it entirely.
Malignant tumors require more aggressive treatment and have a more guarded prognosis.
2. Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s
Pituitary tumors usually can’t be removed, so treatment involves lifelong medication to control cortisol levels.
3. Medication-induced Cushing’s
If steroids caused the condition, your vet will slowly reduce or stop them.
However, the original issue treated with steroids may return, so alternative treatments will be needed.
Is Cushing’s Curable?
There’s no full cure for most types of Cushing’s, but with the right medication and monitoring, many dogs live happy, comfortable, often years-long lives after diagnosis.
Your dog will likely need:
- Daily medication
- Regular vet visits
- Periodic blood tests to check hormone levels
Dogs who respond well to treatment and maintain consistent follow-up care often do very well.
The Bottom Line
Cushing’s disease is a lifelong condition, but it is very manageable with veterinary guidance. The key is early detection, the right medication and staying on top of your dog’s follow-up exams.
With a solid treatment plan — and lots of love — your pup can continue enjoying a full and happy life.
