Cushing’s Disease in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Did you know that many common human health conditions can affect dogs too? One example of this is Cushing’s Disease, a condition where the body produces too much cortisol. Cushing’s Disease is most common in older dogs and can be serious if left untreated.

As a dog owner, it’s helpful to know the signs of Cushing’s Disease so you can get the appropriate medical care for your dog if they need it. Let’s break down what Cushing’s Disease looks like in dogs, as well as the treatment options available.

Cushing’s Syndrome is a condition where the body contains too much cortisol. Scientifically, this is also sometimes called hyperadrenocorticism. Cortisol is a hormone that acts as a natural steroid. Cushing’s Disease is a type of Cushing’s Syndrome where the excess cortisol is caused by a benign pituitary tumor or adrenal tumor.

Cushing’s Disease affects approximately 0.17% of dogs under veterinary care. Small breeds like poodles, Dachshunds and terriers tend to be most prone to this condition. In most cases, Cushing’s Disease is not life-threatening to dogs, but it can cause some frustrating symptoms that negatively affect their quality of life.

There are some rare cases where Cushing’s Disease can cause high blood pressure. Over time, this can cause life-threatening blood clots if it isn’t treated. Dogs with Cushing’s Disease should get regular blood tests to catch and treat these issues as early as possible.

There are two types of Cushing’s Disease in dogs: pituitary-dependent and adrenal-dependent. Both types are usually caused by benign tumors.

With pituitary-dependent Cushing’s Disease, the pituitary gland in the brain sends a signal to the adrenal glands to increase your dog’s cortisol levels. 80–85% of Cushing’s Disease cases in dogs are pituitary-dependent.

With adrenal-dependent Cushing’s Disease, the adrenal glands have an overproduction of cortisol on their own, without interference from the pituitary gland.

These two types of Cushing’s Disease will cause similar symptoms in dogs. However, your veterinarian will determine which type of Cushing’s Disease your dog has to determine the appropriate treatment.

There are several clinical signs of Cushing’s Disease in dogs, many of which are easily visible. These symptoms are also similar to side effects of artificial steroids.

Here are some common symptoms of Cushing’s Disease:

•  Weight gain: Dogs with Cushing’s Disease will often develop a pot-bellied appearance, with weight gain concentrated around their abdomen.

•  Increased urination: Cushing’s Disease can cause dogs to urinate more often than normal. This condition also affects the immune system and can make your dog more prone to urinary tract infections when they are dehydrated.

•  Frequent eating and drinking: Dogs with Cushing’s Disease will have an increased appetite and thirst, so you might spot them near their food and water bowls frequently.

•  Excess panting: Since dogs gain weight when they have Cushing’s Disease, exercise becomes more difficult for them. Because of this, they will often pant when walking or playing, especially in hot weather.

•  Loss of muscle tone: Dogs with Cushing’s Disease often struggle with lethargy and exercise less often. This can cause them to lose muscle tone and strength over time. This can make dogs with Cushing’s Disease more prone to joint pain and injuries.

•  Thin skin: Cushing’s Disease can change the texture of your dog’s skin. The extra production of cortisol can make the skin much thinner than normal and cause it to break easily. This can cause excess blackheads, lesions, and even skin infections.

•  Hair loss: Over time, dogs with Cushing’s Disease may start to lose their hair. The hair that remains may become greasy and coarse or lose its luster.

•  Sleep changes: Dogs with Cushing’s Disease are more likely to feel tired and sleep more often, or sleep at different times than they have in the past.

•  Loss of bone density: Cushing’s Disease can cause changes in calcium levels, which can cause a gradual loss of bone density and make dogs more prone to arthritis. These changes can also lead to hard calcium deposits under the skin, which can be very uncomfortable.

•  Increased blood pressure: In rare cases, Cushing’s Disease can cause a significant increase in blood pressure and potentially lead to blood clots.

These symptoms are usually not life-threatening. However, they can cause uncomfortable changes to your dog’s body that interfere with their daily life.

While Cushing’s Disease can be frustrating for both you and your dog, there are plenty of treatment options to help your furry friend live a more comfortable life.

The first step is to go to your vet to get an official diagnosis. This usually involves an abdominal ultrasound to look for changes in the adrenal glands. This is sometimes paired with other forms of diagnostic testing, such as an ACTH stimulation test, a dexamethasone suppression test or a urinalysis. Vets use these tests to establish the presence of Cushing’s Disease and determine which type your dog has.

After diagnosing Cushing’s Disease, the next step is developing a treatment plan. In mild cases, dog owners may choose to hold off on immediate treatment, but schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor the condition.

One of the most common treatments for Cushing’s Disease is trilostane, a medication that inhibits cortisol production. For many dogs, a regular dose of trilostane is enough to manage the symptoms of Cushing’s Disease. Your vet may also recommend other forms of physical therapy to manage your dog’s strength and mobility levels. Common solutions include massage, laser therapy, and prescribed exercise routines.

In more serious cases, vets may recommend lysodren, which attacks cells in the adrenal gland. While this treatment is effective in stopping cortisol production, it can also come with very harsh side effects. Because of this, lysodren is only used in severe cases.

Another treatment option for severe cases of Cushing’s Disease is radiation or even surgical removal of the adrenal glands. However, this invasive treatment is only used as a last resort once other treatment options have been exhausted.

In addition to recommending treatment options, your vet can also suggest healthy food options for dogs with Cushing’s Disease, as well as symptoms to watch for and ways to keep them comfortable.

Cushing’s Disease is more common in dogs than you might think, and luckily, it’s manageable with help from your veterinarian. While symptoms like weight gain and frequent urination are uncomfortable, treatments like medication and physical therapy can reduce these symptoms to keep your dog happy and healthy. You can support these treatments with a healthy diet, gentle exercise and plenty of love and attention.

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 *Health Disclaimer: This post is educational in nature and doesn’t constitute health advice. Please consult your pet's veterinarian or other healthcare professional for specific guidance on this topic.