Cushing's disease in senior dogs: symptoms, treatment and care

Your senior dog has been drinking water like she just crossed a desert. The water bowl that used to last all day is empty by noon. She is asking to go outside constantly, sometimes having accidents in the house overnight, something she has not done since she was a puppy. Her belly seems bigger, rounder, almost swollen. Her coat, once thick and glossy, has started thinning, especially along her sides and flanks. She pants more than she used to, even when she is just lying on the couch. Something is clearly changing, and you are worried.

If this sounds familiar, your dog may be showing signs of Cushing's disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism. It is one of the most common hormonal disorders in older dogs, yet it is also one of the most frequently missed, because its symptoms develop so gradually that many owners and even some veterinarians initially attribute them to "just getting old."

The good news is that Cushing's disease is manageable. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many dogs with Cushing's live comfortably for years after their diagnosis. But understanding the condition, recognizing the signs early, and working closely with your veterinarian are essential for giving your dog the best possible quality of life.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Cushing's disease in senior dogs: what it is, what causes it, the symptoms to watch for, how it is diagnosed, your treatment options, and how to care for a dog living with this condition.

What is Cushing's disease?

Cushing's disease occurs when a dog's body produces too much cortisol, a hormone made by the adrenal glands. Cortisol is sometimes called the "stress hormone" because it plays a critical role in the body's response to stress, but it does far more than that. Cortisol helps regulate metabolism, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, immune function, and inflammation. It is essential for life, but like most things in biology, the dose makes the poison.

When cortisol levels are chronically elevated, the excess hormone affects virtually every organ system in the body. It causes the liver to enlarge. It weakens muscles and redistributes body fat to the abdomen. It thins the skin and suppresses the immune system. It increases thirst and urination by interfering with the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine. Over time, uncontrolled Cushing's disease can lead to serious complications including diabetes, blood clots, urinary tract infections, high blood pressure, and kidney damage.

Cushing's disease overwhelmingly affects middle-aged to older dogs, with most cases diagnosed in dogs between 8 and 12 years old. It can occur in any breed, but certain breeds are at higher risk, including Poodles, Dachshunds, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Beagles, and terrier breeds in general. Small breed dogs are affected more often than large breeds.

The three types of Cushing's disease

Understanding which type of Cushing's disease your dog has is critical because it determines the treatment approach and the prognosis. There are three forms, and they differ in where the problem originates.

1. Pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease (PDH)

This is by far the most common form, accounting for approximately 80 to 85 percent of all naturally occurring Cushing's disease cases in dogs. It is caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain that acts as the body's master hormonal control center.

The pituitary gland normally produces a hormone called ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which tells the adrenal glands how much cortisol to make. When a tumor develops in the pituitary gland, it produces ACTH continuously and in excess, regardless of how much cortisol is already circulating in the blood. The adrenal glands, receiving constant stimulation, dutifully produce more and more cortisol, and the body is flooded with the hormone.

The good news about pituitary-dependent Cushing's is that the vast majority of these tumors are small (microadenomas) and benign. They cause problems not because they are cancerous or invasive, but simply because they produce too much ACTH. However, in approximately 10 to 20 percent of cases, the pituitary tumor is larger (a macroadenoma) and can grow large enough to compress surrounding brain tissue, causing neurological symptoms such as blindness, circling, behavioral changes, or seizures.

2. Adrenal-dependent Cushing's disease

Adrenal tumors account for approximately 15 to 20 percent of naturally occurring Cushing's disease cases. In this form, a tumor develops directly on one of the two adrenal glands (small glands that sit on top of the kidneys) and produces cortisol independently, without needing stimulation from the pituitary gland.

Adrenal tumors can be either benign (adenomas) or malignant (carcinomas), and the distinction matters significantly for prognosis and treatment. Benign adrenal tumors can often be surgically removed with excellent outcomes. Malignant adrenal tumors may invade surrounding tissues or spread to other organs, making treatment more challenging. Approximately half of adrenal tumors in dogs with Cushing's disease are benign and half are malignant, though the exact ratio varies across studies.

3. Iatrogenic Cushing's disease

This form is not caused by a tumor but by the long-term administration of corticosteroid medications such as prednisone, prednisolone, or dexamethasone. These medications are synthetic versions of cortisol and are commonly prescribed for conditions such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain cancers. When given at high doses or for prolonged periods, they can produce the same symptoms as naturally occurring Cushing's disease.

Iatrogenic Cushing's is treated by gradually tapering the corticosteroid medication under veterinary supervision. It is critical never to stop corticosteroids abruptly, as this can cause a life-threatening adrenal crisis. If your dog has been on long-term steroids and is showing Cushing's-like symptoms, talk to your vet about a slow, carefully managed taper.

Recognizing the symptoms of Cushing's disease

Cushing's disease is often called the "great pretender" because its symptoms are so varied and develop so gradually that they can mimic many other conditions, or simply look like normal aging. Most owners do not recognize a single moment when things changed; instead, they look back and realize that a collection of subtle changes has been accumulating over months or even years.

Here are the most common symptoms, roughly in order of how frequently they occur:

Increased thirst and urination (polydipsia and polyuria)

This is typically the first and most noticeable symptom. Dogs with Cushing's disease may drink two to ten times their normal water intake. They need to urinate more frequently and in larger volumes, and many begin having accidents in the house, especially overnight. A house-trained dog who suddenly cannot make it through the night is always worth investigating.

The excessive thirst occurs because cortisol interferes with the action of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) on the kidneys. Without ADH functioning properly, the kidneys cannot concentrate the urine, so the dog produces large volumes of dilute urine and must drink more to compensate.

Increased appetite (polyphagia)

Cortisol stimulates appetite, and dogs with Cushing's disease can become ravenously hungry. They may beg for food constantly, steal food from counters or trash, eat things they would normally ignore, and act as though they are starving even right after a meal. This increased appetite, combined with the metabolic effects of cortisol, contributes to weight gain and the characteristic body shape changes.

Pot-bellied appearance

A distended, pendulous abdomen is one of the most recognizable signs of Cushing's disease. The pot-bellied look results from a combination of factors: cortisol causes fat to redistribute from other parts of the body to the abdomen; the liver enlarges significantly (hepatomegaly) due to cortisol's effects on liver metabolism; and the abdominal muscles weaken and lose tone, allowing the belly to sag. The result is a dog whose body seems to have changed shape, with a belly that hangs lower and sides that seem wider, even though the legs may look thinner.

Hair loss and skin changes

Cortisol has profound effects on the skin and coat. Dogs with Cushing's disease commonly develop symmetrical hair loss on both sides of the body, typically starting on the flanks, along the sides, and on the trunk, while the head and legs are usually spared. The skin becomes noticeably thinner, sometimes almost papery, and bruises easily. You may notice dark patches of skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation), comedones (blackheads), or small calcium deposits in the skin (calcinosis cutis) that feel like hard, gritty plaques.

The coat may become dry, dull, and brittle. Hair that is shaved for veterinary procedures or grooming may be very slow to regrow. Some dogs develop recurrent skin infections because cortisol suppresses the immune system, making the skin more vulnerable to bacteria and yeast.

Panting

Excessive panting, even when the dog is resting and the environment is cool, is common in dogs with Cushing's disease. The panting is thought to result from a combination of factors: cortisol's effects on the respiratory center in the brain, weakened respiratory muscles, fat redistribution that puts pressure on the diaphragm, and the general metabolic effects of excess cortisol. If your senior dog is panting at rest or at night, Cushing's disease should be on the list of possibilities.

Lethargy and muscle weakness

Chronic cortisol excess breaks down muscle protein, leading to progressive muscle wasting and weakness. Your dog may seem less interested in walks, tire more easily on stairs, have difficulty jumping onto furniture, or seem generally less active than before. The combination of muscle weakness and a heavier abdomen can make movement more difficult and less comfortable.

Recurrent infections

Because cortisol suppresses the immune system, dogs with Cushing's disease are prone to infections. Urinary tract infections are particularly common and may occur repeatedly, sometimes without the typical signs of straining or blood in the urine because the cortisol suppresses the inflammatory response that would normally produce those symptoms. Skin infections, ear infections, and respiratory infections may also occur more frequently.

Other symptoms

Less common but still important symptoms include:

• Poor wound healing and easy bruising due to thin skin
• Reproductive changes (failure to cycle in intact females)
• Facial nerve paralysis (drooping lip, difficulty blinking)
• Increased susceptibility to demodectic mange
• Ligament and tendon weakness, including cruciate ligament tears
• Blood clots (thromboembolism), which can be life-threatening

How Cushing's disease is diagnosed

Diagnosing Cushing's disease is notoriously complex. There is no single test that definitively confirms the condition. Instead, diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical signs, routine blood work, and specialized hormonal tests. The process requires patience and sometimes repeated testing, which can be frustrating for owners who just want answers.

Initial screening: blood work and urinalysis

Your vet will likely start with a complete blood count (CBC), a comprehensive metabolic panel, and a urinalysis. While none of these tests diagnose Cushing's directly, they often reveal a pattern of abnormalities that strongly suggests the disease:

• Elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP): This liver enzyme is elevated in approximately 90 percent of dogs with Cushing's disease, often dramatically so. A significantly elevated ALP in an older dog with compatible symptoms is one of the strongest screening indicators
• Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides: Cortisol affects fat metabolism
• Mildly elevated blood glucose: Cortisol promotes glucose production and can eventually lead to diabetes
• Dilute urine: A urine specific gravity below 1.020 is common and reflects the kidneys' inability to concentrate urine properly
• Stress leukogram: A specific pattern of white blood cell changes (elevated neutrophils, low lymphocytes and eosinophils) commonly seen with chronic cortisol excess

Specialized hormonal tests

If the screening blood work supports Cushing's disease, your vet will proceed with one or more specialized tests to confirm the diagnosis:

Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test (LDDS): This is the most commonly used screening test. Your dog receives an injection of a small dose of dexamethasone (a synthetic corticosteroid), and blood samples are drawn at 4 hours and 8 hours after the injection. In a healthy dog, the dexamethasone suppresses cortisol production. In a dog with Cushing's disease, cortisol levels remain elevated because the feedback loop is disrupted. This test has a sensitivity of approximately 90 to 95 percent, meaning it catches most cases, but it can produce false positives in dogs who are stressed or ill from other causes.

ACTH Stimulation Test: This test involves drawing a baseline blood sample, injecting synthetic ACTH, and drawing another sample about an hour later to see how much cortisol the adrenal glands produce in response. An exaggerated cortisol response suggests Cushing's disease. This test is less sensitive than the LDDS test (it misses more cases) but is more specific (fewer false positives). It is also the only test that can diagnose iatrogenic Cushing's disease and is used to monitor treatment with certain medications.

Urine Cortisol-to-Creatinine Ratio (UCCR): This is a simple screening test performed on a urine sample collected at home, ideally the first morning urine. A normal result effectively rules out Cushing's disease, but an elevated result does not confirm it because many other conditions can raise urinary cortisol. It is most useful as a rule-out test.

Differentiating PDH from adrenal tumors

Once Cushing's disease is confirmed, it is important to determine which type your dog has, because the treatment approach differs. This typically involves:

• Abdominal ultrasound: This can visualize the adrenal glands directly. In pituitary-dependent Cushing's, both adrenal glands are typically enlarged symmetrically. An adrenal tumor appears as an enlarged gland on one side with a normal or atrophied (shrunken) gland on the other side
• High-dose dexamethasone suppression test (HDDS): In many cases of pituitary-dependent Cushing's, a higher dose of dexamethasone will suppress cortisol production, while adrenal tumors do not respond to suppression at any dose. However, this test is not reliable in all cases
• Endogenous ACTH levels: Measuring the blood level of ACTH can help distinguish the two types. In pituitary-dependent Cushing's, ACTH levels are normal to elevated. In adrenal Cushing's, ACTH levels are low because the autonomous cortisol production from the tumor suppresses the pituitary gland
• CT scan or MRI: Advanced imaging may be recommended to evaluate the size of a pituitary tumor or to assess whether an adrenal tumor is invasive or has spread. This information helps guide treatment decisions

Treatment options for Cushing's disease

The decision of whether and how to treat Cushing's disease depends on the type, the severity of symptoms, the presence of complications, and your dog's overall health and age. Not every dog with Cushing's disease needs aggressive treatment. For some mildly affected dogs, the risks and costs of treatment may outweigh the benefits, especially if the dog is very old or has significant concurrent health problems. This is a conversation to have with your veterinarian.

Medical treatment for pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease

Because the majority of cases are pituitary-dependent, medical management is the most common treatment approach. The goal is not to cure the disease (the pituitary tumor remains) but to reduce cortisol production to normal levels and resolve the clinical symptoms.

Trilostane (Vetoryl): Trilostane is currently the most widely used medication for Cushing's disease in dogs. It works by blocking an enzyme needed for cortisol production in the adrenal glands, effectively reducing the amount of cortisol the body makes. It is given once or twice daily with food, and most dogs show improvement within the first few weeks of treatment.

Trilostane requires careful monitoring. Your veterinarian will schedule an ACTH stimulation test approximately 10 to 14 days after starting the medication, and then at 30 days, 90 days, and every 3 to 6 months thereafter. The dose is adjusted based on these test results and your dog's clinical response. Too little medication means the symptoms persist; too much can cause the cortisol to drop dangerously low, leading to an Addisonian crisis (see the section on complications below).

Mitotane (Lysodren): Mitotane is an older medication that works by selectively destroying the outer layers of the adrenal glands, the tissue responsible for producing cortisol. It is effective but carries a higher risk of serious side effects compared to trilostane because its destructive effect on the adrenal glands is less precise and less easily controlled. Mitotane is generally reserved for cases where trilostane is not effective or not tolerated, though some veterinarians still prefer it for certain situations.

Surgical treatment for adrenal tumors

For dogs with adrenal-dependent Cushing's disease, surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland (adrenalectomy) is often the treatment of choice, particularly if the tumor is benign. Successful surgery can be curative, eliminating the source of excess cortisol entirely. However, adrenalectomy is a complex, high-risk surgery that should be performed by a veterinary surgeon experienced in the procedure.

The risks include hemorrhage (the adrenal glands are adjacent to major blood vessels), blood clots, complications from anesthesia, and the need for temporary cortisol and mineralocorticoid supplementation after surgery while the remaining adrenal gland recovers from its suppressed state. Despite these risks, outcomes are generally good for dogs with benign tumors, and many live comfortably for years after surgery.

If the adrenal tumor is malignant and has invaded surrounding tissues or spread, surgery may still be considered but the prognosis is more guarded. In some cases, medical management with trilostane is used instead of or in addition to surgery.

Radiation therapy for large pituitary tumors

For dogs with large pituitary tumors (macroadenomas) that are causing or at risk of causing neurological symptoms, radiation therapy may be recommended. Radiation can shrink the tumor and alleviate neurological signs such as blindness, circling, or behavioral changes. It is typically used in combination with medical management of the cortisol excess. Radiation therapy requires a referral to a veterinary oncology center and involves multiple treatment sessions under anesthesia.

Living with a dog who has Cushing's disease

A diagnosis of Cushing's disease can feel overwhelming, but most owners find that once treatment is established and stabilized, managing the condition becomes a manageable part of daily life. Here is what to expect and how to help your dog.

What to expect after starting treatment

The first signs of improvement you will notice are usually a reduction in excessive drinking and urination. Most owners report that within the first two to four weeks of starting trilostane, their dog's water intake decreases noticeably and the house accidents stop. Appetite typically normalizes around the same time. These changes are encouraging and usually the first indication that the medication is working.

Skin and coat improvements take much longer. It can take three to six months before you see significant hair regrowth and improvement in skin quality. The pot-bellied appearance may gradually improve as abdominal fat redistribution normalizes and muscle tone returns, though in older dogs, full resolution of the pendulous abdomen may not occur. Energy levels and muscle strength typically improve gradually over weeks to months.

Monitoring and veterinary visits

Dogs on Cushing's disease medication need regular monitoring for the rest of their lives. This typically includes:

• ACTH stimulation tests at regular intervals (typically every 3 to 6 months once stabilized) to ensure the medication dose is appropriate
• Routine blood work and urinalysis to monitor liver values, kidney function, and screen for complications like diabetes or urinary tract infections
• Blood pressure monitoring, as hypertension is common in dogs with Cushing's disease
• Regular physical examinations to assess body condition, skin health, and overall quality of life

The monitoring schedule adds veterinary costs, and the medication itself is an ongoing expense. Talk openly with your vet about costs so you can plan accordingly. Some veterinary clinics offer payment plans or wellness packages that can help manage the financial burden.

Diet and nutrition

There is no specific "Cushing's disease diet," but nutritional management can help support your dog's health. Consider the following:

• Controlled portions: Because Cushing's disease dramatically increases appetite, it is important to feed measured portions rather than free-feeding. Your dog will beg and may seem genuinely hungry, but overfeeding will worsen the abdominal distension and contribute to obesity-related problems
• Moderate protein, moderate fat: A balanced diet with good-quality protein helps support muscle maintenance, which is important given the muscle-wasting effects of cortisol
• Low-sodium options: If your dog has hypertension, your vet may recommend a lower-sodium diet
• Consistent feeding schedule: Feed meals at the same times each day, and give trilostane with food as directed by your vet, as food significantly affects the medication's absorption
• Fresh water always available: Even on treatment, your dog may drink more than a dog without Cushing's disease. Never restrict water access

Exercise and activity

Gentle, regular exercise is beneficial for dogs with Cushing's disease. It helps maintain muscle mass, supports cardiovascular health, and promotes a healthy weight. However, keep the following in mind:

• Avoid intense exercise, especially in hot weather, as dogs with Cushing's disease are more prone to overheating
• Start slowly if your dog has been inactive, and gradually increase the duration and intensity of walks
• Watch for signs of fatigue, excessive panting, or reluctance to continue, and let your dog set the pace
• Be mindful of the increased risk of ligament injuries due to weakened connective tissue, and avoid activities that involve jumping, sharp turns, or sudden starts and stops

Skin and coat care

Dogs with Cushing's disease often need extra attention to their skin and coat:

• Handle your dog gently, as the skin is fragile and tears or bruises easily
• Use a soft brush for grooming and avoid aggressive brushing
• Keep skin folds and areas of hair loss clean and dry to prevent infection
• Watch for signs of skin infection (redness, odor, discharge, crusty areas) and report them to your vet promptly
• Protect thin skin from sun exposure, especially in areas of hair loss
• If your dog develops calcinosis cutis (hard calcium deposits in the skin), your vet may recommend topical treatments to help soften and resolve these lesions as the Cushing's disease comes under control

Complications to watch for

Cushing's disease can lead to several serious complications, both from the disease itself and, less commonly, from its treatment. Being aware of these helps you respond quickly if problems arise.

Diabetes mellitus

Chronic cortisol excess promotes persistent elevation of blood sugar, and approximately 10 percent of dogs with Cushing's disease develop diabetes. If your dog develops increased thirst and urination that does not improve with Cushing's treatment, or if blood glucose levels remain elevated on monitoring blood work, diabetes should be investigated. Some dogs require insulin therapy in addition to their Cushing's medication.

Urinary tract infections

The suppressed immune system and dilute urine make UTIs extremely common in dogs with Cushing's disease. Because the anti-inflammatory effects of cortisol can mask the typical symptoms of a UTI, your vet should culture your dog's urine regularly as part of routine monitoring, even if your dog is not showing obvious signs of discomfort.

Blood clots (thromboembolism)

Dogs with Cushing's disease are in a hypercoagulable state, meaning their blood clots more easily than normal. Blood clots can develop in the lungs (pulmonary thromboembolism), which can cause sudden respiratory distress and can be life-threatening. If your dog suddenly develops difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or collapse, this is an emergency. Seek veterinary care immediately.

Addisonian crisis from over-treatment

While the goal of treatment is to reduce cortisol, too much medication can drop cortisol levels dangerously low, essentially creating the opposite condition: Addison's disease. An Addisonian crisis is a medical emergency characterized by:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Severe weakness or collapse
• Loss of appetite
• Shaking or trembling
• Dehydration

If your dog is on Cushing's medication and develops any of these symptoms, stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately. This is why regular monitoring is so important: it allows your vet to catch cortisol levels that are dropping too low before a crisis occurs.

Hypertension

High blood pressure is common in dogs with Cushing's disease and can damage the kidneys, eyes, heart, and brain if left untreated. Your vet should check your dog's blood pressure at regular visits and may prescribe antihypertensive medication if needed.

Prognosis: what to expect long-term

The prognosis for dogs with Cushing's disease varies depending on the type, the dog's age and overall health, and whether complications develop. Here is a general overview:

Pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease: With appropriate medical management, most dogs with PDH live comfortably for two to three years after diagnosis, and many live longer. The pituitary tumor itself is usually slow-growing and may never cause problems beyond excess ACTH production. Quality of life is typically good once the medication is stabilized. The most common causes of death are the complications of Cushing's disease (blood clots, infections, diabetes) or unrelated age-related conditions.

Adrenal tumors (benign): If the tumor is successfully removed surgically, the prognosis is often excellent, with many dogs living for several years after surgery and some effectively cured.

Adrenal tumors (malignant): The prognosis is more guarded and depends on whether the tumor has spread. With aggressive treatment, some dogs do well, but survival times are generally shorter than for benign tumors.

It is worth noting that because Cushing's disease primarily affects older dogs, many are already dealing with other age-related conditions such as arthritis, dental disease, or heart disease. Managing Cushing's disease alongside these other conditions requires a holistic approach and close collaboration with your veterinarian.

When to consider not treating

This is an important conversation that veterinarians sometimes hesitate to initiate, but it is one that deserves honest consideration. Not every dog with Cushing's disease needs treatment.

If your dog's symptoms are very mild, consisting of slightly increased drinking and a somewhat larger appetite but otherwise good quality of life, the risks and costs of treatment may not be justified, especially in a very old dog. Cushing's disease medications require ongoing monitoring, carry the risk of side effects, and represent a significant financial commitment over time.

Similarly, if your dog has other serious health conditions that limit life expectancy, the added burden of Cushing's treatment may not improve overall quality of life. In these situations, some owners and veterinarians choose to monitor the disease and manage specific symptoms (such as treating urinary tract infections as they arise) without directly treating the cortisol excess.

There is no wrong answer here. The decision should be based on your dog's individual situation, your veterinarian's recommendation, your ability to manage the monitoring schedule and costs, and your own assessment of your dog's quality of life. A good veterinarian will support you in making the choice that is right for your family.

When to see the vet

Schedule a veterinary appointment if your senior dog shows any combination of the following:

• Noticeably increased drinking and urination, especially if it develops over a period of weeks to months
• A change in body shape with a larger, sagging abdomen
• Symmetrical hair loss on the body, especially the flanks and sides
• Skin that seems thinner, tears easily, or does not heal well
• Increased appetite that seems excessive or out of character
• Excessive panting at rest or at night
• Recurrent urinary tract infections or skin infections
• Decreased energy, muscle weakness, or exercise intolerance

Seek emergency veterinary care if your dog on Cushing's treatment shows:

• Sudden vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness (possible Addisonian crisis)
• Collapse or inability to stand
• Sudden difficulty breathing (possible blood clot)
• Seizures or sudden blindness (possible pituitary tumor growth)

Supporting your dog through Cushing's disease

Living with a chronic condition is a journey, not a single event. There will be good periods and challenging ones. The excessive drinking that keeps you refilling the water bowl, the house accidents that require patience and cleanup, the changes in your dog's appearance, these things can be emotionally difficult. But most owners find that once treatment is established, their dog returns to something close to their old self: more comfortable, more energetic, more engaged with life.

Keep a simple log of your dog's daily water intake, appetite, energy level, and any symptoms. This record is invaluable at veterinary appointments and helps you and your vet track trends over time. It also helps you see the improvement that treatment brings, which can be easy to miss when you are focused on the day-to-day.

Most importantly, remember that a diagnosis of Cushing's disease is not a death sentence. It is a chronic, manageable condition. Many dogs live happily for years after diagnosis with good veterinary care and attentive owners. Your dog does not know she has Cushing's disease. She knows she feels thirsty, or hungry, or tired. And with treatment, she will feel better. That is what matters.

This article provides general information about Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) in senior dogs. Every dog's situation is unique, and diagnosis and treatment should always be guided by your veterinarian, who can evaluate your specific dog's health, run the appropriate tests, and recommend the best treatment plan. Never start, stop, or change the dosage of Cushing's disease medication without veterinary guidance. If your dog is showing signs consistent with Cushing's disease, schedule a veterinary appointment. If your dog is currently on treatment and shows sudden vomiting, weakness, collapse, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.