Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a common endocrine disorder in middle-aged and senior dogs. It occurs when the body produces excess cortisol, a natural steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands. While cortisol is essential for health—it helps regulate metabolism, immune function, and stress responses—having too much of it for long periods can lead to significant health problems. Because the clinical signs may come on slowly and mimic normal aging, early recognition and proper diagnosis are extremely important.
There are two primary forms of Cushing’s disease in dogs, and understanding them helps guide treatment:
This is the most common form, accounting for about 80–85% of cases.
It is caused by a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain.
The tumor overstimulates the adrenal glands, telling them to produce cortisol nonstop.
Most pituitary tumors are small and slow-growing, but a small percentage can grow larger and cause additional neurological signs.
In about 15–20% of cases, the cause is a tumor in one of the adrenal glands.
These tumors may be benign or malignant. Adrenal tumors produce cortisol on their own without the need for pituitary stimulation.
This is caused by long-term or high-dose steroid medication (such as prednisone) given for other medical problems.
When steroids are used for a long time, the body reacts in the same way as if cortisol were being overproduced internally.
The symptoms often develop gradually, which can make them easy to overlook. Owners may mistake them for normal aging. However, patterns of changes over weeks or months are very suggestive of the disease.
Increased hunger (polyphagia)
Drinking more water than usual (polydipsia)
Urinating more frequently (polyuria)
Thinning of the skin
Poor wound healing
Recurrent skin infections
Hair loss, especially on the sides of the body
Appearance of blackheads or comedones
Pot-bellied appearance
Muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass
Weight gain despite normal diet
Lethargy or decreased stamina
Excessive panting even during rest
Restlessness or pacing
Reduced tolerance for exercise
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Development of calcium deposits in the skin (calcinosis cutis)
High blood pressure
Increased liver enzyme levels on bloodwork
Not every dog will show all these signs, but most show a combination that raises suspicion of Cushing’s disease.
Because many of the clinical signs are non-specific, diagnosing Cushing’s disease requires a combination of physical exam, blood work, urine testing, and endocrine function tests.
These tests do not confirm Cushing’s disease, but they provide supporting evidence. Typical findings include:
Elevated liver enzymes (especially ALP)
High cholesterol
Dilute urine
Presence of protein in urine
These tests evaluate how the dog’s adrenal glands respond to stimulation or suppression.
Measures how the adrenal glands respond to injected ACTH.
Helpful for diagnosing Cushing’s and monitoring response to treatment.
Considered one of the most reliable screening tests.
Measures whether cortisol production can be suppressed as expected.
Abdominal ultrasound is often recommended to evaluate the size and shape of the adrenal glands and check for adrenal tumors.
MRI or CT may be used if a pituitary tumor is suspected, especially if neurological signs are present.
A veterinarian will determine which tests are most appropriate based on the dog’s symptoms and general health.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, the dog’s overall health, and the presence of other medical conditions.
Most dogs with pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease are treated with medication. The most commonly used drug is:
Controls cortisol production by blocking one of the enzymes needed to make it.
Requires regular monitoring with ACTH stimulation tests to ensure correct dosing.
Other medications exist but are used much less often today because trilostane is safer and more predictable.
Surgery is mainly considered for dogs with adrenal tumors, especially if the tumor is benign and confined to the adrenal gland.
Adrenalectomy (removal of the affected gland) can cure the disease in selected cases.
In rare cases, pituitary tumor surgery may be performed at specialized centers but is not widely available.
When caused by long-term steroid use, treatment involves carefully tapering the medication under veterinary supervision. Stopping steroids abruptly can be dangerous.
Left untreated, Cushing’s disease can lead to serious complications due to long-term exposure to high cortisol levels.
Diabetes mellitus
High blood pressure
Pancreatitis
Urinary tract infections
Blood clots
Kidney damage
Skin breakdown and severe infections
Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly)
In advanced cases, dogs can become increasingly weak, more prone to infections, and may suffer from severe metabolic imbalances.
The goal of therapy is not only to reduce cortisol levels but also to improve the dog’s overall well-being.
More energy
Less panting
Improved skin and hair coat
Reduced thirst and urination
Better mobility
Healthier weight and muscle tone
Dogs on trilostane therapy require:
Regular ACTH stimulation tests
Periodic bloodwork to check electrolytes and organ function
Ongoing evaluation of clinical signs
This monitoring ensures that treatment stays safe and effective.
Dogs with pituitary-dependent Cushing’s often do well for 2–5 years or longer.
Dogs with benign adrenal tumors may be cured with surgery.
Dogs with malignant adrenal tumors have a more guarded prognosis.
The dog’s age, other medical conditions, and the form of Cushing’s all influence long-term outcomes.
Living with a dog with Cushing’s disease involves regular veterinary visits and consistent monitoring, but many dogs maintain an excellent quality of life when the condition is managed appropriately.
You can expect:
Gradual improvement in symptoms over several weeks once treatment begins
The need for regular medication
Periodic follow-up blood tests
Monitoring at home for appetite, thirst, energy level, and behavior
Owners often report that after stabilizing treatment, their dog becomes brighter, more active, and overall happier.
Cushing’s disease in dogs is a manageable endocrine disorder caused by chronic excess cortisol production. It leads to a wide range of clinical signs affecting the skin, metabolism, behavior, and internal organs. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve a dog’s comfort and overall life expectancy. With proper monitoring, most dogs with Cushing’s disease live happy, stable, and fulfilling lives.
What is happening? Reverse sneezing involves sudden, repeated inhalations through the nose, resulting in a snorting or honking sound. Triggers can include excitement, irritants, allergies, infections, pulling on a leash, or anatomical factors. Small breeds like York shire terriers, chihuahuenios, poodles, and bulldogs are more prone to develop this problem but that doesn’t exclude mixed breeds or bigger breeds like golden retrievers and grate and Newfoundland for having this coughing-like event.
Symptoms: Rapid, noisy inhalations through the nose, accompanied by a stiffening of the body, and the dog extending its head and neck.
Duration: Episodes typically last for a few seconds to a minute, resolving on their own. Reverse sneezing differs from regular sneezing or coughing and usually doesn’t require medical intervention.
What can I do? If you find your furry friend caught in a reverse sneezing fit, there are a few techniques you can try to help alleviate the episode. Massaging the throat gently, covering the nostrils momentarily to encourage swallowing, or offering a small amount of water can sometimes help shorten these episodes and offer relief to your pup.
However, it’s important to note that while occasional reverse sneezing is generally harmless, frequent or severe episodes warrant a consultation with a veterinarian. If these episodes become more frequent or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seeking professional advice becomes crucial. Veterinarians can provide insight into understanding and effectively managing this condition, ensuring your dog’s well-being.
While reverse sneezing is common and often not a cause for alarm, it’s essential to remember that any coughing-like event or unusual respiratory behavior in dogs should prompt veterinary attention. A professional diagnosis ensures accurate identification and appropriate management of the underlying cause.
Fun Fact
Incredible Scent Receptors: Dogs possess an extraordinary olfactory system with around 300 million scent receptors. This number is significantly higher than the mere 5-6 million scent receptors found in humans. This incredible number of receptors allows dogs to detect scents at incredibly low concentrations, making their sense of smell highly sensitive and effective.
Dual Functionality: Dogs’ noses have dual functionality. They can inhale and exhale air simultaneously due to a unique structure called the “bifurcated nasal passage.” While they inhale air through their nostrils, they can also exhale through the slits located on the sides of their noses. This remarkable feature helps maintain a constant flow of air, inhancing their scent detection capabilities.
Scent Discrimination: Dogs’ noses are not just incredibly sensitive; they’re also highly discriminatory. Their sense of smell allows them to distinguish between various scents, identifying individual odors even within complex mixtures. This ability is why dogs are employed in tasks such as tracking, search and rescue operations, and detecting specific scents related to health conditions or even explosives.
