Cushing’s Disease in Dogs: Signs, Causes & Treatment Guide
Cushing’s disease in dogs—also known as hyperadrenocorticism—is a common hormonal disorder that mainly affects middle-aged to older dogs. It occurs when the body generates excessive levels of cortisol—a key stress hormone that helps regulate metabolism and supports the immune system.
Although it may seem concerning, identifying the condition early and following the right treatment plan can greatly enhance your dog’s comfort and overall well-being.
What Is Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?
Cushing’s disease develops when the adrenal glands release abnormally high levels of cortisol. This usually happens due to:
Pituitary gland tumors (most common)
Adrenal gland tumors
Long-term steroid medication use (iatrogenic Cushing’s)
Cortisol is important in limited quantities, but persistently high levels can negatively affect multiple systems in the body.
Common Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease
The signs of Cushing’s disease often develop slowly, which makes them easy to mistake for normal aging.
👉 Many dogs show a combination of these symptoms rather than all of them.
What Causes Cushing’s Disease?
There are three main types:
1. Pituitary-Dependent Cushing’s (Most Common)
A non-cancerous growth in the pituitary gland releases too much ACTH, leading to excessive stimulation of the adrenal glands.
2. Adrenal-Dependent Cushing’s
A tumor in the adrenal gland directly produces too much cortisol.
3. Iatrogenic Cushing’s
Caused by long-term use of corticosteroid medications like prednisone. This type is often reversible when medication is adjusted under veterinary guidance.
How Is Cushing’s Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosis requires veterinary testing because symptoms overlap with those of other conditions.
Common diagnostic methods include:
Blood and urine tests
ACTH stimulation test
Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test
Ultrasound or imaging to detect tumors
Treatment Options for Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease is usually managed rather than cured, but treatment can greatly improve your dog’s comfort and lifespan.
👉 Detecting the condition early greatly improves the chances of effective treatment and better outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Cushing’s disease in dogs may sound overwhelming, but it is a manageable condition with modern veterinary care. The key is recognizing the symptoms early, getting a proper diagnosis, and following a consistent treatment plan.
When managed well and given the right care, your dog can continue to live an active, comfortable, and rewarding life.
This on-line company is such a good find. They provide quality products at a good price with delivering them efficiently. Definitely recommend purchasing from them.
Two sweet girlies decided to make our deck their home. Mosquitoes are a big problem where we live and we had to get them protected. This was the best bang for the buck. I’ve ordered from 79Pets several times and while delivery is not fast it is very consistent.
As a retired veterinary technician I was extremely happy to finally see a flea and heartworm medication that actually does tapeworms too!!!!!!! This is a 1st to my knowledge....I live in a tropical climate where fleas never die so this is heaven sent.
Great price, authentic quality and reliable shipping. Shipping takes a bit longer, since it is being shipped from abroad. But still a reliable service.
After Seresto collars failed to get rid of fleas, I didn't know where to turn. I saw a post on a page I follow (Kentucky Kitty Cats) saying that they use Nexgard Combo for the cats they shelter. I decided to try it and IT WORKS!
This is Lexi Marie! She was wondering why mom was so excited for buying flea medicine. I explained to her that we saved $100 and that she would understand some day when she grows up.
Last year, I made a visit to the vet. I told them that Kattie/cat had ear mites. They gave me an ointment costing $80canadian. I used it up and purchased another bottle. $160. total not including the cost of the vet visit. No results. The ear mites have been there for a long time. Canadian vets have control of what is sold in Pet stores and you cannot purchase off the shelf products not recognized by them.
I jumped at the chance to purchase your produce with a recommended 100% effectivity. I was willing to try, but was suspicions.
After a month there was still a little scratching but after 6 weeks, the mites are gone and the scratching is gone.
Thank you very much for this mite solution. I recommend it heartily. Harry
P.S. Do not tell the Canadian vets as they will outlaw your product.
En fait, c'est le seul produit dont mon chat "Winston" ne soufre pas de problèmes cutané et perte de poils, le "Révolution plus" fait très bien le travail, merci.
