What is cushing’s disease in dogs?

If you love dogs, knowing about Cushing’s disease can change how you spot problems early, plan for care, and make choices that protect both your dog’s comfort and your budget.

How Cushing’s Disease Can Affect Your Dog — and Why It Matters to Owners

Cushing’s disease is one of the more common hormone disorders I see in older dogs, and it often shows up slowly — which means owners can miss early warning signs until management becomes more complex. Knowing what to look for matters when you make everyday choices about feeding, exercise, grooming and whether to pursue specialty testing or treatment. In practical terms, detecting Cushing’s earlier may reduce repeated skin infections, help avoid weight-related mobility loss, and lower the chance of expensive emergency visits later on.

There’s also an emotional cost. Dogs with untreated Cushing’s may feel constantly uncomfortable from skin problems, urinary issues, or lethargy, and that takes a toll on a family. Financially, testing and ongoing drug monitoring can add up; medical treatment and follow-up generally cost more than short-term symptom care. That said, sensible early evaluation often narrows options and can make long-term care more predictable.

Prioritize veterinary assessment when changes are progressive or affect quality of life — for example, a previously active dog that now drinks and urinates a lot, gains a pot-bellied look, or develops recurrent skin infections. Pay extra attention for senior dogs and certain breeds that are more likely to develop Cushing’s; in those cases, a low threshold for discussion with your veterinarian usually pays off.

Cushing’s Disease in Dogs — a clear, concise explanation

Put simply, Cushing’s disease in dogs is a syndrome in which the body is exposed to too much cortisol over time. Cortisol is a normal stress hormone, but when it’s chronically high it changes appetite, water needs, skin quality, muscle mass and how the body handles infection and sugar.

There are three main patterns you’ll hear about. The most common is a pituitary-dependent form, where a small benign tumor in the pituitary gland is likely linked to overstimulation of the adrenal glands. Less commonly, a tumor in one adrenal gland can produce excess cortisol directly. A third type is iatrogenic — caused by long-term steroid medication given for another problem; this usually resolves or improves when the drug is tapered under veterinary guidance.

Cushing’s typically appears in middle-aged to older dogs and may progress slowly. With treatment, many dogs regain improved energy, control of infections, and better skin; without treatment, complications such as diabetes, recurrent infections, high blood pressure and reduced quality of life are more likely. Prognosis varies: medical control commonly offers good quality of life for months to years, while surgical options may offer longer-term control in selected cases.

Inside the illness: what causes Cushing’s to develop in dogs

The simplest way to understand the biology is to follow the hormonal chain. The pituitary gland in the brain usually tells the adrenal glands to make a certain amount of cortisol by releasing ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). In pituitary-dependent cases, a benign pituitary tumor is likely linked to excess ACTH, which in turn prompts both adrenal glands to produce more cortisol than the body needs.

When an adrenal gland itself develops a tumor, that gland can produce cortisol independently of the pituitary signal; typically the other adrenal becomes small from reduced stimulation. Both routes produce similar downstream effects because cortisol levels in the blood remain high.

Steroid-induced Cushing’s occurs when a dog receives glucocorticoid drugs (like prednisone) long-term. Those drugs mimic cortisol’s effects and also suppress the pituitary–adrenal communication, which can create a pattern of clinical signs that resembles the other forms. If the drug is reduced too quickly, though, the suppressed normal adrenal function may cause problems, so tapering is important under veterinary guidance.

When Cushing’s Typically Appears — age, stages and timing

You’re most likely to see Cushing’s signs in middle-aged to older dogs; I typically encounter cases in dogs over six or seven years old, and frequency goes up with age. Small and toy breeds aren’t exempt; some breeds seem to show higher risk — for example, poodles, dachshunds, terriers and German shepherds are often mentioned in clinic caseloads. Breed lists can vary between studies, so treat predisposition as an increased likelihood rather than a certainty.

Long-term steroid use is a clear trigger for iatrogenic Cushing’s, so if your dog is on steroids for months it’s worth discussing the possibility with your vet. Concurrent illnesses or chronic stress don’t directly cause classic Cushing’s tumors, but they may make clinical signs worse or mask early symptoms, delaying recognition.

Spotting early warning signs: subtle symptoms every owner should notice

Early recognition usually comes down to noticing a cluster of changes rather than a single sign. The classic trio I watch for is increased drinking and urination, increased appetite, and a rounded or “pot-bellied” look. Those alone aren’t diagnostic, but combined they are important clues.

Skin changes are another big tell: thinning skin, symmetrical hair loss (especially down the flanks), slow-healing wounds, recurring ear or skin infections, and sometimes a whitish mineralized skin layer called calcinosis cutis. Muscle loss, especially over the hips and shoulders, can give a dog a frail look even if weight seems stable.

Behavioral or mobility changes — quieter, less willing to climb stairs, or less interest in walks — may reflect muscle weakness or discomfort. Urgent signs that demand immediate attention include sudden collapse, severe lethargy, repeated vomiting, or signs of dehydration; these could indicate an adrenal-related crisis or a severe complication from treatment and are reasons to seek emergency care.

If you suspect Cushing’s: immediate actions to take and questions to ask your vet

1. Start by documenting what you see: note when drinking, urination frequency, appetite changes, skin issues and any new lumps or behavior changes. Short videos or photos that show the dog’s gait, haircoat, or the pattern of hair loss are especially helpful.
2. At the veterinary visit, ask which diagnostics apply. Common tests include a general blood panel and chemistry, urinalysis, urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratio (useful as a screening tool), an ACTH stimulation test, and a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. Imaging such as abdominal ultrasound helps evaluate the adrenal glands, and MRI or CT is used if a pituitary tumor is suspected or surgery is being considered.
3. Discuss treatment options with your veterinarian. For pituitary-dependent disease, medical therapy (most commonly trilostane in many countries) may be recommended with regular monitoring of bloodwork and signs. For functional adrenal tumors, surgery to remove the affected gland might be discussed with a specialist. If Cushing’s is steroid-induced, an organized taper plan should be followed rather than stopping suddenly.
4. Decide based on your dog’s overall health, age and your goals for quality of life. Medical management usually requires lifelong follow-up and dose adjustments; surgical options carry higher up-front risk and cost but may offer a different long-term outcome in selected cases.
5. Know the emergencies: if your dog becomes suddenly weak, won’t eat, vomits repeatedly, has tremors, or collapses, seek emergency veterinary care. Also watch for signs of overcorrection during treatment — low appetite, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea or collapse — which may suggest the dog’s cortisol level has fallen too low and needs urgent attention.

Home care essentials: adapting routines and the environment for a dog with Cushing’s

Small daily changes can make a big difference. For weight control, switch to a balanced diet formulated for adult or senior dogs, and measure portions rather than free-feeding; because many dogs eat more with Cushing’s, treating meals as scheduled rations helps manage calories. If your dog has trouble with treats, use low-calorie options or break treats into tiny pieces to avoid excess calories.

Keep exercise low-impact but regular: short, gentle walks and controlled play help maintain muscle tone without overtaxing a dog that tires easily. Joint supplements and a soft supportive bed can help mobility. Ramps and nonslip surfaces reduce falls and strain on hips and knees.

Skin hygiene matters because these dogs get recurring infections. Regular, gentle bathing with an antiseptic shampoo as advised by your veterinarian, careful ear cleaning when infections recur, and prompt attention to hotspots help prevent worsening problems. Monitor for changes in wounds and seek care if healing stalls.

Medication adherence is critical. Give medicines at the same time each day with consistent food routines, watch for side effects, and keep a simple log of doses and any changes in behavior or appetite to bring to follow-up visits.

Recommended supplies and tools to help manage Cushing’s at home

Practical tools make daily management easier and more reliable. A marked water bowl or a simple intake log helps you track changes in drinking. Ramps, nonslip rugs or stair gates reduce the strain of climbing and make movement safer. A supportive harness gives you better control during walks and can help lift a dog that struggles.

For medication management, a weekly pill organizer combined with phone reminder apps reduces missed doses. Grooming supplies such as a soft brush, gentle antiseptic shampoo (e.g., chlorhexidine-based products your vet approves) and ear-cleaning solution help prevent and control infections. Finally, a sturdy, comfortable bed with orthopedic support helps dogs with muscle loss or arthritis rest more comfortably.

References and trusted resources for further reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Syndrome) in Dogs” — Merck Veterinary Manual, specific entry on canine Cushing’s
• Feldman EC, Nelson RW. Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Metabolism, 4th edition — textbook chapter on hyperadrenocorticism
• ACVIM Consensus Statement on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Canine Hyperadrenocorticism — American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine guidance for clinicians
• VCA Animal Hospitals: “Cushing’s Disease in Dogs” — VCA Hospitals client information and clinical overview
• Veterinary Partner (VIN): “Cushing’s Syndrome in Dogs” — detailed owner-facing clinical article