As pet owners, we’re always on the lookout for anything unusual in our dogs — a limp, a scratch, a skipped meal. But what happens when the signs are a little more subtle or seem like “just getting older”? That’s often the case with Cushing’s disease in dogs — a condition we see regularly here at Norgate Animal Hospital and one that’s more common than you might think.
What Is Cushing’s Disease?
Cushing’s disease, officially called hyperadrenocorticism, happens when your dog’s body produces too much of a hormone called cortisol. Now, cortisol isn’t bad — in fact, it helps regulate things like metabolism, stress response, and immune function. But when it’s produced in excess, it throws your dog’s system off balance, leading to a host of health problems.
Types of Cushing’s Disease
There are three main types of Cushing’s disease in dogs. The most common is pituitary-dependent Cushing’s, caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary gland in the brain, which tells the adrenal glands to keep making cortisol when it shouldn’t. Adrenal-dependent Cushing’s, on the other hand, comes from a tumor on one of the adrenal glands themselves. Lastly, iatrogenic Cushing’s is caused by long-term use of corticosteroid medications. It’s less common but entirely drug-induced.
Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease in Dogs
The tricky thing with Cushing’s is that its signs can be mistaken for normal aging or other health problems. That’s why paying attention to new or worsening behaviors is so important. Common signs of Cushing’s disease include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, a pot-bellied appearance, hair loss, thin or fragile skin, excessive panting, lethargy, and recurring skin infections. If you’re noticing a few of these signs in your dog, it’s a good idea to book an exam with your vet. At Norgate Animal Hospital, we can run tests to confirm if Cushing’s is the cause.
Diagnosing Cushing’s Disease
Diagnosing Cushing’s disease isn’t always straightforward — no single test gives us a definite yes or no. That’s why we typically start with blood tests, which help rule out other conditions and can show telltale signs like elevated liver enzymes. A urinalysis checks for diluted urine and infections, both of which are common with Cushing’s. Specific tests like the ACTH stimulation test or low-dose dexamethasone suppression (LDDS) test are used to measure how your dog’s adrenal glands respond to certain medications and help confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes ultrasounds or advanced imaging are used to check for tumors on the adrenal glands. If you’re local to North Vancouver, you can give us a call to chat about your pet’s symptoms — we’re happy to help guide you on what steps to take next.
Treatment Options for Cushing’s Disease
The good news is that while Cushing’s is a chronic condition, it can be managed successfully. The type of treatment your dog needs depends on what kind of Cushing’s they have. For pituitary-dependent Cushing’s, the most common type, medications like Vetoryl® (trilostane) are typically prescribed to control cortisol production. This requires lifelong treatment and regular blood tests to adjust dosages and monitor your dog’s response. For adrenal-dependent Cushing’s, surgical removal of the adrenal tumor might be recommended if it’s benign and operable. For iatrogenic Cushing’s, gradually tapering off steroid medications under a vet’s guidance can resolve the issue. Never stop steroids suddenly without your vet’s supervision — it can be dangerous. At Norgate Animal Hospital, we work closely with pet owners to create a customized treatment plan that balances effective management with your pet’s quality of life. Regular monitoring is key because Cushing’s management is a long-term commitment.
Prevention and Monitoring
Unfortunately, there’s no surefire way to prevent naturally occurring Cushing’s disease. But what you can do is stay alert to the symptoms, especially in middle-aged and older dogs, and bring them in for regular check-ups. If your dog is on long-term steroids, make sure you’re working closely with your vet to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.
If you’re noticing your dog is guzzling water like never before, constantly hungry, developing a pot-bellied appearance, shedding more than normal, or getting bald patches, don’t brush it off as “just getting older.” These could be signs of something bigger — and catching it early means better options for your pup. You’re always welcome to reach out to Norgate Animal Hospital at 604-980-2222. Whether it’s a routine check-up or you’re seeing concerning symptoms, our team is here to support both you and your pet.
