Monitor — routine vet appointment
Cushing's disease in dogs
Older dog with pot belly, increased thirst, hair loss, and ravenous appetite — book a vet appointment to test for Cushing's disease.
Recognise the signs
- Increased thirst and urination
- Pot-bellied appearance
- Hair loss, often symmetrical, on flanks
- Thin skin
- Increased appetite
- Panting
- Lethargy
- Recurrent skin or urinary infections
First aid steps
- Routine vet appointment with bloods and specific Cushing's tests.
Do NOT
- Do not start any treatment without vet input.
- Do not assume signs are just ageing.
When to phone the vet immediately
- Sudden severe weakness, collapse, vomiting
- Suspected adrenal crisis if treatment is being adjusted
Common causes
- Pituitary tumour producing excess ACTH (commonest)
- Adrenal tumour
- Long-term steroid medication
What the vet will need to know
- Specific changes noted
- Current medications, especially steroids
- Other conditions
Aftercare
- Treatment with trilostane (most common) requires careful monitoring.
- Regular bloods to adjust dose.
- Watch for over-suppression (Addisonian crisis) signs.
Prevention
- Annual senior checks.
- Limit unnecessary long-term steroid use.
Breed-specific notes
- Higher risk: Poodles, Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers, Boston Terriers, Boxers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cushing's curable?
Pituitary Cushing's is managed lifelong with medication. Adrenal tumours can sometimes be surgically cured.
How long do dogs live with Cushing's?
Many live 2–4 years with treatment, often with good quality of life.
Why does treatment need so much monitoring?
Over-treatment causes Addisonian crisis (cortisol too low), which is dangerous. Regular bloods catch this early.