It’s a hormonal disorder where the body is exposed to too much cortisol. Most cases trace back to a small, usually benign, pituitary tumour that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These symptoms usually build up slowly over months. That’s why they’re so often mistaken for normal ageing rather than a treatable condition.<\/span><\/p>\n Increased thirst, more frequent urination, a bigger appetite, and thinning fur are easy to write off at first.<\/span><\/p>\n Sudden weakness, panting at rest, or a swollen, pot-bellied abdomen deserve a visit to the <\/span>nearest animal hospital<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> Muscle wasting and skin changes, like thinning or slow-healing wounds, are also worth flagging.<\/span><\/p>\n Hyperadrenocorticism in dogs happens when the pituitary or adrenal glands produce too much cortisol.<\/p>\n Around 80 to 85% of cases come from a small pituitary tumour that overstimulates the adrenal glands. Most of these tumours are tiny and don’t cause problems beyond the hormone imbalance itself.<\/span><\/p>\n An adrenal gland tumour in a dog accounts for roughly 15 to 20% of naturally occurring cases. Some adrenal tumours are benign, while others are malignant, so imaging is important when an adrenal tumour is suspected.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Long-term steroid medication can cause a similar picture. This form often improves once steroids are tapered under veterinary guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n Vets diagnose Cushing’s disease through a combination of bloodwork, urine tests, and specific hormone testing.<\/span><\/p>\n Routine <\/span>bloodwork and urinalysis<\/span><\/a> often show patterns that point toward Cushing’s before specific hormone testing confirms it. Imaging, such as ultrasound, can also help spot adrenal or pituitary changes.<\/span><\/p>\n These tests measure how the adrenal glands respond to hormonal stimulation or suppression. The results help support the diagnosis, while additional testing may help distinguish the underlying type.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Results can overlap with other conditions, so vets sometimes repeat testing or add imaging to be sure. Patience here pays off with a more accurate treatment plan.<\/span><\/p>\n Treatment depends on the underlying type. Most cases respond well to daily medication rather than surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n Trilostane (sold as Vetoryl) is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for dogs with Cushing’s disease and reduces cortisol production by the adrenal glands.<\/span><\/p>\n This kind of medication needs regular monitoring. Doses are adjusted based on follow-up blood tests, never guessed at home, and never stopped abruptly without veterinary advice.<\/span><\/p>\n Surgery to remove an adrenal tumour can be considered for selected dogs, particularly when the tumour is localised and operable. Radiation therapy may be considered in selected dogs with pituitary tumours, particularly when the tumour is large or causing neurological signs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some dogs have other conditions alongside Cushing’s, like <\/span>diabetes<\/span><\/a> or kidney disease.<\/span> Managing both at once can slow down fine-tuning treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n Ongoing management centres on regular checks, not just the initial diagnosis. Because Cushing’s disease requires long-term monitoring, your dog may need repeat hormone testing and other health checks throughout treatment. Vetic’s diagnostic services can help with these ongoing tests, and Vetic membership may be useful for pet parents who need regular veterinary visits and monitoring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Repeat hormone testing, usually every few months at first, helps your vet keep the dose right. Testing usually becomes less frequent once your dog is stable on treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n A stable diet, steady exercise, and consistent routines all help keep symptoms controlled. Sudden changes can make hormone-level monitoring harder to interpret.<\/span><\/p>\n Cushing’s disease in senior dogs often overlaps with other age-related conditions, so regular check-ups matter more than ever.<\/span><\/p>\n Most dogs respond well to treatment and live comfortably for years.<\/span><\/p>\n Pituitary-dependent cases often have a good long-term outlook with treatment. Cases involving adrenal cancer carry a more guarded prognosis, depending on tumour type, spread, and whether surgery is possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Expect ongoing costs for medication and repeat testing, which continue for the rest of your dog’s life. Ask your vet for a realistic estimate early on.<\/span><\/p>\n A few things to watch for:<\/span><\/p>\n Call if symptoms worsen suddenly, your dog seems weak or disoriented, or medication side effects appear. Vomiting, loss of appetite, or extreme lethargy after starting treatment need same-day attention.<\/span><\/p>\n Cushing’s disease in dogs is common, manageable, and rarely a reason to panic once it’s properly diagnosed. Catching the early signs, thirst, appetite, and that pot-bellied look, makes treatment easier to fine-tune. If any of this sounds familiar, book a check-up with<\/span> Vetic<\/span><\/a> to have your dog assessed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Not typically. It’s more disruptive than painful day-to-day, though untreated cases can lead to complications that cause real discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n Yes, most dogs live well for years with the right treatment and regular monitoring.<\/span><\/p>\n Poodles, Dachshunds, Boxers, and terriers are diagnosed more often, though any breed can develop it. Age matters more than breed, with most cases appearing after age 7.<\/span><\/p>\n Yes, this is common. Increased thirst and a bigger belly are easy to dismiss as normal ageing.<\/span><\/p>\n Left untreated, it can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, and a higher infection risk over time.<\/span><\/p>\n Only under close veterinary supervision. Steroids can worsen symptoms and need careful management if unavoidable.<\/span><\/p>\n No proven natural remedy exists that replaces medication. Always discuss any supplement with your vet before trying it, since some can interfere with treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n There’s no fixed staging system. Vets track severity through symptoms, hormone levels, and how well a dog responds to treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n MSD Veterinary Manual. (n.d.). Cushing disease (pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism) in animals. <\/span>Retrieved 25 August 2026, from <\/span>https:\/\/www.msdvetmanual.com\/endocrine-system\/the-pituitary-gland\/cushing-disease-pituitary-dependent-hyperadrenocorticism-in-animals<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n MSD Veterinary Manual. (n.d.). Cushing syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism) in animals. <\/span>Retrieved 25 August 2026, from <\/span>https:\/\/www.msdvetmanual.com\/endocrine-system\/the-adrenal-glands\/cushing-syndrome-hyperadrenocorticism-in-animals<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n MSD Veterinary Manual. (n.d.). Disorders of the adrenal glands in dogs. <\/span>Retrieved 25 August 2026, from <\/span>https:\/\/www.msdvetmanual.com\/dog-owners\/hormonal-disorders-of-dogs\/disorders-of-the-adrenal-glands-in-dogs<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat Are the Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Early Changes Pet Parents Often Miss<\/b><\/h3>\n
Signs That Need Prompt Veterinary Attention<\/b><\/h3>\n
Why Does Hyperadrenocorticism in Dogs Happen?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Pituitary-Dependent Disease<\/b><\/h3>\n
Adrenal Gland Tumours in Dogs<\/b><\/h3>\n
Steroid-Related Hyperadrenocorticism in Dogs<\/b><\/h3>\n
How Do Vets Diagnose Cushing’s Disease?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Bloodwork, Urinalysis, and Imaging<\/b><\/h3>\n
ACTH Stimulation and Suppression Tests for Hyperadrenocorticism<\/b><\/h3>\n
Why Diagnosis Can Take More Than One Visit<\/b><\/h3>\n
Cushing’s Disease in Dogs Treatment<\/b><\/h2>\n
Trilostane (Vetoryl) for Dogs with Hyperadrenocorticism<\/b><\/h3>\n
Medication for Cushing’s Disease in Dogs<\/b><\/h3>\n
Surgery and Radiation<\/b><\/h3>\n
When Hyperadrenocorticism Treatment Is Not Straightforward<\/b><\/h3>\n
How Do You Manage Cushing’s in Dogs?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Follow-Up Testing and Medication Checks<\/b><\/h3>\n
Diet, Weight, and Daily Routines<\/b><\/h3>\n
Cushing’s Disease in Senior Dogs<\/b><\/h3>\n
Prognosis, Costs, and Expectations<\/b><\/h2>\n
Life Expectancy by Disease Type<\/b><\/h3>\n
Ongoing Hyperadrenocorticism Treatment Costs to Plan For<\/b><\/h3>\n
Common Missteps to Avoid<\/b><\/h2>\n
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When to Call Your Veterinarian<\/b><\/h2>\n
Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n
FAQs: About Cushing’s Disease in Dogs<\/b><\/h2>\n
Is Cushing’s Disease in Dogs Painful?<\/b><\/h3>\n
Can a Dog Live a Normal Life with Cushing’s Disease?<\/b><\/h3>\n
Are Some Dog Breeds More Likely to Get Hyperadrenocorticism?<\/b><\/h3>\n
Can Cushing’s Disease Be Mistaken for Normal Ageing?<\/b><\/h3>\n
What Happens if Cushing’s Disease in Dogs Is Left Untreated?<\/b><\/h3>\n
Can Dogs with Cushing’s Disease Still Take Steroids?<\/b><\/h3>\n
Are Natural Remedies for Cushing’s Disease in Dogs Effective?<\/b><\/h3>\n
What Are the Stages of Cushing’s Syndrome in Dogs?<\/b><\/h3>\n
References<\/b><\/h2>\n