Cushing’s disease is a complex endocrine disease with various effects on dogs and may lead to serious health worries. Cushing’s disease is due to an overproduction of the body’s most vital steroid hormone, which is cortisol.

Cortisol has several essential functions in the body, such as the maintenance of metabolic processes and reactions to stressors. Upon prolonged and excessive exposure to cortisol, a variety of gypsy health phenomena may arise.

Early diagnosis of Cushing’s disease is key to minimizing these effects, as the duration of exposure to high levels of cortisol will, in fact, damage multiple organ systems.

Additionally, based on knowing how cortisol imbalance disrupts the natural regulation of the body, veterinarians and pet owners should be able to quickly recognize the signs of the disease together.

This article will look at Cushing’s disease in dogs and focus on some of the causes, signs, diagnosis, and treatments for this pathological condition.

What is Cushing’s Disease?

Cushing’s syndrome is merely a hormonal imbalance. The two adrenal glands positioned just over each of the dog’s kidneys have overproduced cortisol because the dog’s pituitary gland in the brain has not been able to control the production of Cortisol.

It is also named as hyperadrenocorticism in dogs. Hyperadrenocorticism occurs when the body’s attempts to regulate are off, more often in middle-aged to older dogs, which have better-studied canine populations.

While the condition may be seen in any breed, some small and some medium breeds appear more predisposed, and the onset can be insidious, so that diagnosis is challenging in the early stages.

Understanding the underlying hormonal derangement is required for the adequate choice of diagnostic tests and planning of an optimal therapeutic regimen.

What Causes Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?

To properly treat a dog’s condition, we should establish the source of the dog’s condition. Three leading causes associated with Cushing’s disease in dogs impact the body in different ways.

Veterinarians need to identify the specific cause to develop a suitable management scheme. The different types of Cushing’s disease help explain the wide range of treatment options available. The causes of Cushing’s disease in dogs are:

● Pituitary-Dependent Cushing’s Disease

This is the most common cause, representing approximately 85-90% of cases. Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease starts with a small benign tumor on the pituitary gland. The tumor sends too much of a signaling hormone (ACTH) that subsequently tells the adrenal gland to constantly work overtime, producing way too much cortisol than is needed by the dog’s body.

● Adrenal-Dependent Cushing’s Disease

This is the other 15-20% of cases. A tumor grows directly on the adrenal gland. The tumor creates excess cortisol and doesn’t wait for any sign from the pituitary gland to produce/get it under control.

● Iatrogenic Cushing’s Disease

Iatrogenic Cushing’s disease is caused by too many steroids that have been used for too long a period of time. Many dogs are given long durations of prednisolone to treat allergies, inflammation, or autoimmune problems.

Certain dog breeds, such as Poodles, Dachshunds, Boxers, and many different terriers, have shown increased risk factors for developing Cushing’s disease.

Identifying Symptoms of Canine Cushing’s Disease

Hyperadrenocorticism-mediated changes may develop slowly and resemble regular changes related to aging in dogs, making detection more difficult.

It is critically important that you are aware of the more subtle changes in your dog’s patterns. Identifying these canine Cushing disease signs enables earlier diagnosis and treatment.

● Drinking too much water and urinating too often: This is one of the most typical symptoms - referred to as polydipsia and polyuria.

● Increased hunger: With Cushing’s, the dog may seem to have a bottomless pit of hunger. This is referred to as polyphagia.

● Potbellied appearance: When enough fat deposits are obtained, then the fat will be redistributed to the abdomen, and additionally, because of muscle wasting, a soft, hanging potbellied appearance will appear.

● Skin changes: This may be demonstrated in hair loss (most often symmetrical), thin skin, blackheads, and recurrent skin infections.

● Lethargy or weakness: The dog may seem less puppy-like (less interested in play) and may exhibit remarkable weakness in their limbs.

● Excessive panting: This disease is associated with panting with heat and general discomfort; however, for a dog, the duration of panting can be extended (even if the dog is neither hot, nor moving/walking/running/playing/exercising).

Because these signs may be related to other causes, a veterinary examination from a clinician is needed for diagnosis.

Dog Behavior with Cushing’s Syndrome: More Than Physical Signs

This is due to unique hormonal changes that also change overall behavior and mood in dogs. The Cushing disease dog behavior changes can be subtle or relatively noticeable.

For example, owners may see reduced cognitive functioning, generalized anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and changes in temperament.

Some dogs may demonstrate changes such as excessive pacing at night, not relaxing, or changes in patterns of eating. These changes are mostly from elevated levels of Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.

Additionally, where you can, structure your dog’s daily routines, including feeding, at the same time every day. An automatic feeder, like the Wopet Automatic Pet Feeder, comes in handy to regulate mealtimes and meal size, especially important with a dog likely eating more than usual.

The Diagnostic Workup for Cushing’s in Dogs

Cushing’s syndrome in dogs can be complex to diagnose definitively because we do not have a single diagnostic test that is 100% positive. In cases where Cushing’s disease is suspected, a set of diagnostic tests will usually be suggested to complete to establish the diagnosis and elucidate the cause of the disease.

The series of initial diagnostics may consist of several steps:

● Initial Blood and Urine Tests: A complete blood count, chemistry panel, and urinalysis could show some changes presented in Cushing’s patients (elevated liver enzymes, diluted urine concentration, etc.).

● Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression (LDDS) Test: The LDDS is a sensitive test for screening Cushing’s disease. In this test, the veterinarian administers a small, injected dose of dexamethasone (a steroid) and tests the response of the body.

● ACTH Stimulation Test: The pet is injected with ACTH to assay the response of the adrenal glands to a stimulating hormone. This is helpful to differentiate spontaneous Cushing’s disease.

● Abdominal Ultrasound: An abdominal ultrasound allows the veterinarian to visualize the adrenal glands, look for size, and assess for adrenal tumors.

Cushing’s Disease Treatment and Management

Cushing’s disease due to a pituitary adenoma (pituitary-dependent) is not generally curable but is very manageable.

The aim of treatment is to reduce and stabilize cortisol production levels in the body, and consequently, the symptoms and the general health of the dog. Depending on the reason for the disease, the treatment will vary.

The standard treatment approaches include:

● Medications: The most common pituitary-dependent disease is usually treated with oral medications that suppress cortisol production through careful monitoring. These medications must be given for the lifetime of the animal and will require regular monitoring.

● Surgery: When the cause of the disease is attributed to an adrenal tumor, surgery is performed to remove the affected gland; if the tumor is benign and has not stretched, it can be a curative treatment.

● Management of Iatrogenic Cushing’s: This clinical condition will require a careful and controlled withdrawal of steroid medication that induced the condition while under the extreme supervision of a veterinarian.

Follow-up appointment visits and timing of blood sampling, i.e., when to take blood samples, are essential aspects of treatment because they will help determine the effectiveness of the therapy in achieving its goal and will define if adjustments in medications are required.

Additionally, timely dog vaccines can greatly reduce the likelihood of such severe diseases. Here’s a guide on Dog Vaccines by Life Stage: Puppy to Senior Protection Plan

Lifestyle Adjustments for a Dog with Cushing’s Disease

While pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease in dogs isn’t typically curable, it’s very manageable. The purpose of treatment is to lower and stabilize cortisol levels in the body and to lower the symptoms of the disease. You will factor in feeding, exercise, and comfort in the process of accepting a new normal!

One of the lasting effects of Cushing’s disease is thirst. Cushing dogs will always need access to open, clean water. Wopet Pet Water Fountain encourages your dog and helps you keep their water clean. The constant stream will encourage drinking and help keep your dog hydrated.

In summary, Cushing’s Disease and dogs can be an uphill battle. But Cushing’s disease and dogs are not a lost cause for diagnosis. The key to success is to understand the causes of Cushing’s in dogs.

Be persistent and continue to watch for any changes associated with hyperadrenocorticism.