Cushing’s Disease in Dogs: What Northern Arizona Pet Owners Should Know

Has your dog has started drinking bowl after bowl of water, begging for food more often, and shedding in clumps? Maybe you’ve even noticed a potbellied appearance or thinning skin. It’s easy to assume these are signs of aging- but they could indicate something more serious: Cushing’s disease.

At the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona, our 24-hour emergency and specialty team often sees pets whose subtle changes turn out to be signs of significant hormonal imbalance. With advanced diagnostics- including Northern Arizona’s only CT scanner- our doctors can identify complex endocrine conditions like Cushing’s disease early, when treatment is most effective.

What Is Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?

Understanding the Role of Cortisol

Cushing’s disease (also known as hyperadrenocorticism) develops when a dog’s body produces too much cortisol, a hormone responsible for regulating stress, metabolism, and inflammation. In the right amount, cortisol helps the body respond to stress and maintain balance. In excess, it can wreak havoc on nearly every organ system.

Too much cortisol can cause:

  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Excessive appetite
  • Thinning skin and hair loss
  • Muscle weakness and potbellied appearance
  • Recurrent infections or delayed wound healing

These signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome often appear gradually and can easily be mistaken for normal aging. However, the underlying Cushing’s syndrome risks include diabetes, hypertension, and increased susceptibility to infections- all of which require medical attention.

If you notice these changes, it’s best to schedule a diagnostic evaluation through our internal medicine services, where our specialists can perform targeted testing and develop a treatment plan.

Causes of Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

Pituitary vs. Adrenal Causes

Most dogs- roughly 85–90%- develop pituitary-dependent Cushing’s, which occurs when a small tumor on the pituitary gland overstimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. The remaining 10–15% have adrenal-dependent Cushing’s, caused by a tumor on one or both adrenal glands. These adrenal tumors can be benign or malignant and often require advanced imaging for accurate assessment.

Certain breeds, such as Poodles, Dachshunds, and Terriers, have higher associations for Cushing’s syndrome, though any dog can develop the condition. Middle-aged and senior pets are most at risk.

Another form, iatrogenic Cushing’s, results from prolonged use of corticosteroid medications prescribed for conditions like allergies or arthritis. This form typically resolves when the steroid dosage is carefully tapered under veterinary supervision.

Our team collaborates closely with partner practices to ensure safe, ongoing care for pets managing chronic conditions or recovering from steroid use.

Diagnosing Cushing’s Disease

How Veterinarians Confirm the Diagnosis

Cushing’s disease can mimic other metabolic issues, so accurate diagnosis requires a multi-step approach. Initial screening often includes:

  • Comprehensive bloodwork to detect elevated liver enzymes and blood sugar
  • Urinalysis to evaluate kidney function and rule out infection

For confirmation, veterinarians rely on hormone-based tests such as:

  • ACTH stimulation test – evaluates how the adrenal glands respond to hormone signals
  • Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test – checks how cortisol levels respond to suppression

Because some tumors are microscopic while others are visible, imaging such as ultrasound or CT scanning plays a key role in identifying the source of excess cortisol.

Early detection matters- untreated disease can lead to diabetes, hypertension, or dangerous blood clots. The advanced imaging suite at our hospital provides the most accurate diagnostic data for timely treatment.

If your pet is showing suspicious symptoms, our diagnostic services team can help identify the cause and develop a management plan suited to your dog’s needs.

Treatment Options for Cushing’s Disease

Medical and Surgical Management

Once diagnosed, treatment depends on whether the condition stems from the pituitary or adrenal glands.

Medical therapy is most common and includes FDA-approved medications that help regulate cortisol production:

  • Trilostane (Vetoryl) inhibits cortisol synthesis and requires regular monitoring to prevent underproduction
  • Mitotane (Lysodren) selectively destroys cortisol-producing cells in the adrenal gland and is used in more advanced cases

These treatment options for Cushing’s disease can effectively manage hormone levels and improve quality of life.

Surgical treatment may be considered for adrenal tumors. Removal can be curative if the tumor is benign, though surgery carries risks and requires specialized postoperative care. For pituitary-based cases, radiation therapy may help control tumor growth and cortisol production when medication alone is insufficient.

Our emergency and specialty veterinarians coordinate care for complex cases, offering both medical management and surgical intervention as part of our comprehensive treatment services.

Living with Cushing’s Disease

Supporting Your Dog at Home

Cushing’s disease is usually a lifelong condition, but with consistent monitoring, many dogs live happy, comfortable lives. At-home care focuses on stability and observation.

Daily management includes:

  • Hydration: Keep water available at all times and allow for frequent bathroom breaks.
  • Nutrition: Feed a balanced, low-fat diet with moderate protein to support liver function and prevent weight gain.
  • Exercise: Gentle, regular walks help maintain muscle tone and circulation.
  • Symptom tracking: Note changes in appetite, thirst, or behavior and report them promptly.

Routine checkups are essential, as medication doses often need fine-tuning. Our veterinary team partners with families to ensure ongoing support, adjusting treatment plans based on lab results and clinical response.

If your senior pet has multiple health concerns, our internal medicine experts can tailor care to maintain comfort and stability.

FAQs About Cushing’s Disease

Common Questions from Pet Owners

Is Cushing’s disease painful?
 The condition itself isn’t typically painful, though dogs may feel discomfort from secondary issues like skin infections or muscle weakness.

Can Cushing’s disease be cured?
 Pituitary-based cases are rarely cured but can be successfully managed long-term. Adrenal tumors can sometimes be surgically removed, leading to remission.

For more details, review these Cushing’s disease FAQs to better understand what to expect after diagnosis.

Caring for Dogs with Cushing’s Disease in Northern Arizona

Early recognition and treatment of Cushing’s disease can make all the difference. Increased thirst, appetite changes, or thinning hair should never be dismissed as “just aging.” These are signs your pet may need medical evaluation.

At the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona, our emergency and internal medicine teams are here 24 hours a day to help. We provide comprehensive testing, advanced treatment options, and compassionate support for every stage of your dog’s care.

If you’re concerned about your pet’s recent behavior or physical changes, contact us today for immediate assistance. Your pet’s health- and comfort- are always our top priorities.