Cushing’s disease in dogs (hyperadrenocorticism) is a hormone condition in which the body has too much of the steroid hormone cortisol, usually because of a tiny tumour in the brain or a tumour in an adrenal gland, as the PDSA explains. It tends to affect middle-aged and older dogs and needs a vet to diagnose and manage it, so speak to your vet if you spot the signs below.
At a glance
- What it is: too much cortisol (a steroid hormone) in the body.
- Who it affects: any dog, but the PDSA says it is more common in middle-aged dogs of small breeds.
- Urgency: soon. Speak to your vet if you notice the signs below.
- Vet needed? Yes, for diagnosis, medicines and regular check-ups.
Signs to look for
The PDSA lists these signs:
- Drinking and urinating much more than usual
- A swollen, “pot-bellied” tummy
- Increased appetite
- Hair loss, especially on the flanks and tail
- Thin, fragile skin that is prone to blackheads and infection, plus darker patches or calcium deposits in the skin
- Tiredness, extra panting and muscle loss
Increased thirst and urination are also signs of diabetes, so these signs alone do not point to one condition. That is a job for your vet.
Causes and risk factors
The most common cause, says the PDSA, is a tiny brain tumour, usually benign, that sends too many signals to the adrenal glands. A tumour in an adrenal gland can also cause it, and occasionally it is brought on by long-term, high-dose steroid medication. The opposite problem, too little steroid, is covered on our Addison’s disease page.
The Royal Veterinary College’s VetCompass research looked at 905,544 UK dogs in 2016 and estimated that 0.17% had Cushing’s syndrome in a year. Bichon Frises, Border Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers had higher odds, and Golden Retrievers and Labradors had lower odds. Older age and bodyweight above the average for the breed and sex were also linked to a diagnosis.
When to call your vet
Speak to your vet if you notice these signs. The PDSA suggests bringing a urine sample and a note of how much your dog drinks over 24 hours. If you need a practice, our vets guide can help. If your dog is already on medication for Cushing’s and you think they have had too much, phone your vet immediately: the PDSA warns that too much can cause dangerously low steroid levels. For wider symptom help, see our sick dog symptoms guide.
- 1. Notice
Drinking and weeing more, a pot-bellied tummy - 2. Speak to your vet
Speak to your vet if you notice the signs - 3. Vet examines
Blood tests, urine tests and sometimes a scan - 4. Options
Treatment options your vet may discuss: daily medication, regular checks - 5. Ongoing care
PDSA: never restrict water; note how much your dog drinks
How vets diagnose it
The PDSA says a vet may suspect Cushing’s from your dog’s appearance, and confirms it with blood tests, urine tests and sometimes a scan. A VetCompass study of 219 dogs in England found the ACTH stimulation test was the most used diagnostic test, while the low dose dexamethasone suppression test, described there as the expert-recommended screening test, was recorded in only 32% of cases. Your vet will choose the tests that suit your dog.
What vets generally do about it
The PDSA says treatment involves daily medication to reduce steroid production, with regular vet checks and occasional blood tests. Getting the dose right is critical, which is why it must always be set and adjusted by your vet. In the VetCompass study, 94.1% of the dogs were treated with this kind of medicine. Surgery to remove an adrenal or brain tumour is sometimes possible, but the PDSA notes it carries risks and cost.
Living with it and prevention
The PDSA says thirst and urination may take weeks to settle and may stay slightly above the old level. The PDSA says never to restrict your dog’s access to water, and to make sure they can always get out to the toilet. It suggests keeping a note of how much your dog drinks over 24 hours every week or two, and recording any new or changing signs for your vet. The PDSA says many dogs with well-controlled Cushing’s live a relatively normal and happy life for many years. In the VetCompass survival study, median survival after diagnosis was 510 days, and older age and higher bodyweight at diagnosis were linked to shorter survival. That is an average across many dogs, not a forecast for yours, so ask your vet what to expect. The PDSA says treatment can become very expensive, so look at pet insurance early and talk finances through with your vet. The PDSA states there is nothing you can do to prevent Cushing’s disease. Our how long dogs live guide covers wider factors in ageing.
Related conditions
- Addison’s disease in dogs, the opposite problem of too little steroid
- Diabetes in dogs
- Hypothyroidism in dogs
- Kidney disease in dogs
- Urinary tract infections in dogs
- Skin infections in dogs
You can browse the full A–Z of dog illnesses and conditions too.
Sources
- PDSA, Cushing’s Disease in Dogs (Pet Health Hub leaflet, PDF)
- Royal Veterinary College VetCompass, New VetCompass research explores the frequency and risk factors of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs (2021)
- Royal Veterinary College VetCompass, Diagnosis and management of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs explored (Schofield et al., Veterinary Record, 2019)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of Cushing’s disease in dogs?
The PDSA lists heavy thirst and urination, a pot-belly, increased appetite, hair loss on the flanks and tail, thin fragile skin, tiredness, extra panting and muscle loss. Several of these also occur in other conditions, so speak to your vet.
Which dogs get Cushing’s disease?
Any dog can, but the PDSA says it is more common in middle-aged dogs of small breeds. A Royal Veterinary College VetCompass study found higher odds in Bichon Frises, Border Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers, and lower odds in Golden Retrievers and Labradors.
Can Cushing’s disease be prevented?
The PDSA states there is nothing you can do to prevent Cushing’s disease. Taking your dog to the vet when you notice signs means it can be diagnosed and managed sooner.
How is Cushing’s disease treated?
The PDSA says most dogs are managed with a daily medicine that reduces steroid production, plus regular vet checks and blood tests. Surgery to remove a tumour is sometimes possible but carries risks. Your vet decides which approach suits your dog.
How long can a dog live with Cushing’s disease?
The PDSA says many dogs with well-controlled Cushing’s live a relatively normal and happy life for many years. In a VetCompass study of 219 dogs, median survival after diagnosis was 510 days, with older age at diagnosis linked to shorter survival. Speak to your vet about what to expect for your dog.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your dog, speak to your vet. Written by Georgiana & Figo, who are dog owners, not vets. Have a look around Calmshops for everyday dog essentials.
