Cortisol is an essential hormone that helps dogs manage stress, regulate metabolism, and fight infections. However, when cortisol reaches excessively high levels for too long, it can lead to some serious health problems and symptoms.
This condition is called Cushing's disease.
Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing’s disease in puppies is not that common. It mostly affects middle-aged and senior dogs.
It happens when the body produces too much cortisol. Cushing’s disease is progressive, meaning symptoms worsen over time, especially if left untreated.
Fortunately, this condition can be treated and managed. But first, let’s talk more about Cushing’s disease in dogs.
What are the Types of Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?
In a healthy dog, the body carefully balances cortisol production based on what the dog needs. But in a dog with Cushing’s disease, something goes wrong, leading to their body producing too much cortisol for too long.
Cushing’s syndrome in dogs is classified into three categories, namely:
Pituitary-Dependent Cushing’s Disease
This is the most common cause, responsible for about 80% to 85% of all cases. This happens when a tumor forms in the pituitary gland. Although it’s a benign growth, the tumor
The pituitary gland controls many hormones, including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which tells the adrenal glands how much cortisol to make.
In dogs affected by pituitary-dependent Cushing’s syndrome, the tumor triggers excess ACTH production, which forces the adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol even though the body doesn’t need it.
Adrenal-Dependent Cushing’s Disease
This type of Cushing’s disease in dogs is less common. Adrenal-dependent Cushing’s syndrome in dogs happens when a tumor forms directly on the adrenal glands. This causes the release of too much cortisol.
These tumors can be either benign or malignant. If the tumor is cancerous, then it can potentially spread to other parts of the body.
Iatrogenic Cushing’s Disease
This form of Cushing’s is caused by long-term use of steroid medications. While steroid medications are helpful in managing chronic conditions and symptoms, prolonged use can be deadly.
Steroid medications can mimic cortisol, which means that continued use can lead to excessive cortisol levels. As a result, dogs experience symptoms similar to naturally occurring Cushing’s syndrome.
What Breed of Dog Is More Prone to Cushing’s Disease?
Several dog breeds are prone to developing Cushing’s, especially smaller ones. This includes dogs such as:
Boston Terriers
Boxers
While the condition can affect any dog, Cushing’s syndrome was observed in these dogs due to a genetic predisposition to the development of tumors on the glands involved.
Cushing's Disease in Dogs Symptoms
Cushing’s disease in dogs develops slowly, which makes it easy to overlook early signs. Many symptoms are also often mistaken for other conditions. Dogs with Cushing’s syndrome may show a combination of these common symptoms:
Increased Thirst and Urination. One of the first signs you will notice is when your dog has increased thirst and urination. You might see your dog suddenly emptying the water bowl or having accidents in the house.
Excessive Hunger. Dogs with Cushing’s disease often seem constantly hungry, even after eating their usual meals. This is because elevated cortisol levels interfere with normal appetites.
Lethargy and Weakness. Many dogs with Cushing’s syndrome become less active and may struggle with regular activities. You might see them having trouble with stairs and walking.
Panting and Respiratory Changes. Excess cortisol can affect breathing, leading to frequent panting, even when a dog is resting. This can be especially noticeable at night or in cooler environments where panting wouldn’t normally occur.
Hair Loss and Skin Problems. Canine Cushing’s disease often leads to thinning hair or patchy hair loss. Their skin may also become thin, fragile, or prone to infections. Unlike seasonal shedding, this hair loss does not grow back to normal.
Pot-Bellied Appearance. One of the most recognizable signs of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs is a swollen or sagging abdomen. Excess cortisol causes fat to be redistributed and muscle to be wasted. This makes the belly appear distended.
Slow Healing and Frequent Infections. Cushing’s disease weakens the immune system of dogs. As a result, dogs become more prone to skin infections, urinary tract infections, and delayed wound healing.
Behavioral Changes. Some dogs may show restlessness, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping. Increased cortisol levels can also make them more irritable or reactive to sounds that didn’t bother them before.
Are Dogs With Cushing’s Disease in Pain?
Cushing’s syndrome in dogs doesn’t directly cause pain, as the increase in cortisol levels mostly causes uncomfortable symptoms. While these can result in anxiety, lethargy, or discomfort, they don’t lead to pain.
However, secondary complications from the symptoms of Cushing’s, such as secondary infections and muscle weakness, can result in pain.
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