Canine Cushing's Disease: An Insight by Catherine Barnette, DVM, Reviewed by Emily Oliver, CVT on March 28, 2025, and Published on March 2, 2020.
Got A Woofy Problem? It Might Be Cushing's, Dawg
Hey there! You know, every once in a while, your pup might start actin' funny. Gainin' weight, drinkin' like a fish, and losin' hair like it's goin' outta style? Well, buddy, it could be Cushing's disease. Let's dive into this canine conundrum, shall we?
Cushing's Disease: The Lowdown
Cushing's disease is like the doggy equivalent of a steroid overdose, but don't fret, most of the time it ain't caused by you pamperin' the pup with too many treats (though that's a whole other problem!). The excess cortisol flooding your pooch's body can come from within or from an external source like medication.
When Doggos Get A Little Too Stressy
Cortisol, this little hormone produced by the adrenal glands, usually kicks into gear during stressful times, helping out with energy, water balance, and other crucial bodily functions. But when it's constantly being released or in overabundance, it can start causing some trouble. And you guessed it, chronic cortisol exposure can lead to changes in metabolism, water balance, muscle breakdown, and even weaken the immune system.
Cushing's Disease In The Elderly
You know who's more likely to get this canine condition? Those old-timer dogs. While the condition itself usually don't send your pooch to doggy heaven right away, untreated Cushing's disease can lead to a world of complications, some of which can be fatal.
The Different Types
We got three main types of Cushing's disease, each with its unique cause:
- Pituitary-dependent: This puppy problem is the most common, accounting for around 80-85% of cases. A benign tumor in the pituitary gland (situated in the brain, doggy buddy!) causes an overproduction of the hormone responsible for stimulating the adrenal glands - adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
- Adrenal-dependent: This one's caused by a tumor in one of the adrenal glands itself, leading to overproduction of cortisol.
- Iatrogenic: Strange word, eh? This version of Cushing's disease is caused by long-term use of steroids, like prednisone.
Symptoms to Watch For
Signs of Cushing's disease in dogs are similar to what you'd see in a human taking long-term cortisol, so watch out for these symptoms:
- Behavior changes
- Increased appetite and thirst
- Frequent urination
- Weight gain (and a pot-bellied appearance)
- Increased panting
- Lethargy
- Muscle weakness
- Hair loss (often symmetrical)
- Darkening of the skin
- Thinning of the skin
- Skin/coat changes
Diagnosis Time
Your veterinarian's gonna start with some screening tests to see if Cushing's disease is a possibility. If the results suggest Cushing's, then they'll move on to more specific tests to make a proper diagnosis. Even after a diagnosis, additional testing might be needed to distinguish pituitary-dependent from adrenal-dependent Cushing's disease.
Treatments in Store
The treatment for Cushing's disease depends on the type I'm afraid. Dogs with adrenal-dependent Cushing's disease might undergo surgery to remove the affected adrenal gland, while pets with pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease are usually treated with medications that either block cortisol production or kill the cortisol-producing cells. Both treatments require close monitoring and extensive care.
Can We Prevent This Pup Problem?
Unfortunately, there's no guaranteed way to prevent Cushing's disease in dogs. However, limiting a dog's exposure to steroids can help prevent iatrogenic Cushing's disease. Be mindful of medications that might contain steroids, even in over-the-counter topical treatments.
Related Conditions
Don't forget about Addison's disease and liver disease, as they're related to Cushing's disease. Keep that in mind if your pup's actin' a little off! But hey, with knowledge comes power, and now that you know about Cushing's disease, you can be there for your furry friend when they need you most.
- In the realm of medical-conditions, Cushing's disease, often considered a chronic disease, exhibits symptoms similar to long-term cortisol exposure in humans, and it's not uncommon in older dogs.
- Nutrition and skin-care are crucial aspects of a dog's health-and-wellness, but they can't prevent Cushing's disease, which might have roots in internal or external sources causing excess cortisol production.
- Mental health is vital for every pet, and changes in behavior can be an early symptom of Cushing's disease, making it important to keep an eye out for such changes.
- Beyond Cushing's disease, related conditions such as Addison's disease and liver disease could also impact a dog's well-being, underscoring the importance of regular veterinary check-ups.
