Cushing’s Disease in Dogs: Symptoms and Stages Explained

Introduction: Why Understanding Cushing’s Disease Matters

When a dog starts getting older, owners often notice changes. They might be drinking more water, panting more often, or looking a little different. It’s easy to think these are just signs of old age, but sometimes they point to a specific medical condition called Cushing’s disease in dogs. This is a common disease in older dogs, and while it sounds scary, understanding it is the first step to helping your pet live a comfortable, happy life. This guide will walk you through what Cushing’s disease is, what to look for, and how you can work with your vet to manage it.

What is Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?

Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition where a dog’s body makes too much of a hormone called cortisol. This hormone is vital for a dog’s body to work right, but having too much of it can cause a lot of health problems.

The Role of Cortisol in a Dog’s Body

Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone.” In a healthy dog, it helps control their body’s reaction to stress, manages their weight, and helps fight infections. The body makes more cortisol when a dog is scared, excited, or sick. When the dog feels better, the body’s cortisol levels go back to normal. But in a dog with Cushing’s disease, the body makes too much cortisol all the time, which can lead to a lot of serious symptoms.

Types of Cushing’s Disease (Pituitary vs. Adrenal vs. Iatrogenic)

There are three main types of Cushing’s disease in dogs:

• Pituitary-Dependent Cushing’s Disease: This is the most common type, making up about 80% to 85% of cases. It is caused by a tiny, usually non-cancerous tumor on the pituitary gland in the brain. This tumor tells the adrenal glands to make way too much cortisol.
• Adrenal-Dependent Cushing’s Disease: This type is less common and is caused by a tumor on one of the adrenal glands, which are located near the kidneys. This tumor makes the adrenal gland produce a lot of cortisol on its own.
• Iatrogenic Cushing’s Disease: This type is not a natural disease. It is caused by a dog getting too much steroid medicine for a long time. Vets often use steroids to treat things like allergies or joint pain. If a dog gets a high dose of this medicine for a long time, their body can start to have the same signs as a dog with Cushing’s disease.

Causes of Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

Understanding the cause of the disease is important because it can affect the treatment.

Pituitary Gland Tumors

A small, non-cancerous tumor on the pituitary gland is the most common cause. This tumor starts working on its own, making a hormone that tells the adrenal glands to produce a lot of cortisol. The good news is that these tumors are almost always harmless and do not spread, but they can still cause a lot of health problems.

Adrenal Gland Tumors

In this case, a tumor on an adrenal gland causes the disease. About half of these tumors are benign (not cancerous), and the other half are malignant (cancerous). The tumor itself makes the extra cortisol. If the tumor is benign, it can often be removed with surgery, which can cure the disease.

Long-Term Steroid Use

Iatrogenic Cushing’s disease is completely preventable and is caused by the use of steroid medicines. These powerful drugs can be very helpful for treating certain health problems, but they can also cause a dog’s body to act just like it has Cushing’s. This is why it is so important to use steroid medicine exactly as your vet tells you to.

Early Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease

The early symptoms of Cushing’s disease can be very subtle and easy to miss. They often start slowly and get worse over time. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet.

Increased Thirst and Urination

This is one of the most common and earliest dog Cushing’s symptoms. A dog with the disease will often drink a lot more water than usual, which also means they will need to go to the bathroom more often. You might notice they have to go out in the middle of the night or have accidents in the house. This happens because the extra cortisol makes the kidneys less able to hold on to water.

Increased Appetite

A dog with Cushing’s disease often acts like they are starving all the time. They will beg for food, steal food, and act like they haven’t eaten in days. This is caused by the high levels of cortisol, which can make a dog feel very hungry.

Excessive Panting

Panting is a dog’s way of cooling down, but a dog with Cushing’s may pant even when they are not hot or have not been exercising. The extra cortisol can make a dog’s breathing system less efficient and can also cause muscle weakness.

Thinning Skin and Hair Loss

A dog with Cushing’s may start to lose hair, especially on their body, tail, and legs. Their coat can look dull, and their skin can get very thin and can even get bruised easily. This is caused by the cortisol affecting the health of their skin and hair.

Progressive Symptoms and Warning Signs

As the disease gets worse, the symptoms become more obvious and can start to affect a dog’s daily life. These are the more advanced symptoms of Cushing’s disease.

Pot-Bellied Appearance

One of the most classic signs of Cushing’s is a dog that looks like they have a big, round, “pot belly.” This is caused by a few things: the dog’s belly muscles get weaker, the liver gets bigger, and fat moves around their body. Even if they are not gaining weight, their belly can look very round and swollen.

Muscle Weakness

The extra cortisol can cause a dog to lose muscle mass, especially in their back legs. This can make them seem weak, have trouble getting up from a sitting or lying position, or have a hard time climbing stairs. This is not just a sign of old age; it is a sign of a serious health problem.

Frequent Infections

A dog with Cushing’s disease has a weaker immune system. Because of this, they are much more likely to get infections, especially skin infections and urinary tract infections. You might notice your dog scratching a lot or having a hard time urinating.

Behavioral Changes

The high levels of cortisol can also affect a dog’s brain. They might seem more restless, anxious, or have trouble sleeping. Some dogs with Cushing’s can become more aggressive or seem confused.

Stages of Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

The stages of Cushing’s disease in dogs can be a good way to understand how the disease progresses.

Stage 1: Mild Symptoms (Early Detection)

In this stage, the signs are very subtle and might be easy to miss. The owner might just think the dog is getting older. The most common signs are drinking more water and urinating more often. The dog might also have a slightly bigger appetite. Finding the disease in this stage is the best time to start treatment.

Stage 2: Moderate Symptoms (Noticeable Physical Changes)

In this stage, the symptoms become much more obvious. The dog might start to have a pot belly, noticeable hair loss, and muscle weakness. The owner will know that something is wrong. They might also notice that the dog is panting a lot more, even when resting.

Stage 3: Severe Symptoms (Advanced Disease)

This is the most advanced stage. The dog will be showing many of the symptoms from the earlier stages, but they will be much more severe. The dog’s skin can become very thin and get infected often. Their muscles will be very weak, and they can have a hard time walking. Their body’s systems will be very stressed, and they will need immediate help from a vet.

How Vets Diagnose Cushing’s Disease

Diagnosing Cushing’s disease can be a long process because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases, like diabetes. Your vet will need to do a few tests to be sure.

Physical Examination

Your vet will do a full physical exam. They will look for a pot belly, hair loss, and skin problems. They will also talk to you about your dog’s symptoms and what you have noticed at home.

Blood and Urine Tests

A vet will take blood and urine samples. The urine test can show if the dog’s urine is very diluted, which is a sign of drinking a lot of water. The blood work will show other things, but it is not enough on its own to diagnose Cushing’s.

ACTH Stimulation Test

This is the main test used to diagnose the disease. It measures how much cortisol the dog’s body makes. The vet will take a blood sample, give the dog a small injection of a special hormone, and then take another blood sample an hour later. If the dog’s cortisol levels are very high after the injection, it is a very strong sign of Cushing’s disease.

Imaging (Ultrasound or MRI)

If the ACTH test is positive, the vet may want to do an ultrasound to look at the adrenal glands. This can help them figure out if the cause is a tumor on the adrenal gland or a tumor on the pituitary gland. In some cases, an MRI may be needed.

Treatment Options for Cushing’s Disease

The goal of treatment is not to cure the disease but to manage it and make the dog feel better.

Medications (Trilostane, Mitotane)

The most common medicine used to treat Cushing’s is called Trilostane. This medicine works by stopping the adrenal glands from making too much cortisol. Another medicine is called Mitotane. Both of these medicines need to be given under a vet’s strict supervision, as they can have side effects. Your dog will need regular blood tests to make sure the medicine is working and that they are getting the right dose.

Surgery for Adrenal Tumors

If the cause of the disease is a benign tumor on an adrenal gland, surgery to remove the tumor can be a cure. However, this is a very complicated surgery and can be expensive.

Managing Steroid-Induced Cushing’s

If the cause is too much steroid medicine, the vet will slowly lower the dose of the medicine until the dog’s body goes back to normal. This must be done slowly to avoid making the dog feel sick.

Living with a Dog with Cushing’s Disease

Living with a dog with Cushing’s disease means a little extra work, but it is very manageable.

Adjusting Diet and Exercise

Your vet may recommend a low-fat diet for your dog. This can help manage their weight and keep their body from being too stressed. They will also still need daily exercise, but it should be gentle exercise, like short walks, to avoid putting too much stress on their joints.

Monitoring Symptoms at Home

You will need to keep a close eye on your dog’s symptoms. Keep a journal of how much they are drinking and how often they are panting. This will help your vet figure out if the medicine is working.

Regular Vet Checkups

A dog with Cushing’s disease will need to see the vet very often, especially in the beginning of treatment. They will need regular blood tests to make sure their cortisol levels are normal.

Prognosis: Life Expectancy with Cushing’s Disease

The good news is that with the right treatment, most dogs with Cushing’s disease can live a good, happy life for many years after they are diagnosed. The treatment helps to control the symptoms and can make a huge difference in their quality of life. The average life expectancy is about two years, but many dogs live much longer with a good treatment plan.

FAQs About Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

Is Cushing’s disease a death sentence?

No. While it can be a serious disease, it is very manageable. With the right medicine and care, most dogs can live a happy life.

Are there natural ways to treat Cushing’s disease?

The only proven way to treat Cushing’s disease is with vet-prescribed medicine. You should never use natural supplements to treat it without talking to your vet first.

How much does treatment for Cushing’s disease cost?

The cost of the medicine can be expensive. Your vet will be able to give you an idea of the cost and can help you make a plan.

Can I give my dog human medicine for Cushing’s disease?

No. Never give your dog human medicine. This can be very dangerous for them.

Conclusion: Helping Your Dog Live Comfortably

Watching your dog get older can be hard, but knowing the signs of a disease like Cushing’s disease can help you be a great advocate for their health. By paying attention to their symptoms, working closely with your vet, and giving them the right medicine, you can help them live a life full of comfort and happiness, even with this disease.