This episode explains Cushing’s disease in dogs, what causes excessive cortisone production, how symptoms develop over time, and how vets diagnose and manage this common hormonal disorder. It covers pituitary and adrenal forms of the disease, medication options, long-term monitoring, and why early recognition can greatly improve a dog’s comfort and quality of life.
Podcast Summary: Understanding Cushing’s Disease in Dogs
- Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when the body produces too much cortisone, most often in middle-aged to older dogs.
- It is most commonly caused by a benign pituitary gland tumour overstimulating the adrenal glands; less commonly, a tumour forms directly on an adrenal gland.
- Long-term use of oral, injectable, or topical cortisone can also produce a Cushing’s-like syndrome.
- Early symptoms include increased appetite, excessive thirst, frequent urination, and lethargy.
- Physical changes include muscle loss, a “pot-bellied” appearance, thinning skin, poor coat quality, and symmetrical hair loss.
- Dogs may pant more, tire easily, and become more prone to skin infections, urinary tract infections, and pancreatitis due to immune suppression.
- Routine bloodwork often shows elevated liver enzymes; further testing includes ACTH stimulation tests or low-dose dexamethasone suppression tests.
- Ultrasound is used to assess adrenal gland size and distinguish pituitary-dependent vs adrenal-dependent disease.
- Not all dogs require treatment immediately, as medication affects the delicate cortisone balance and requires careful dosing.
- Trilostane is the most commonly used medication and helps normalise cortisone production with regular monitoring.
- When managed well, dogs usually regain normal appetite, thirst levels, energy, and coat condition, significantly improving quality of life.
- Surgical removal of adrenal tumours can be curative when appropriate.
- Early recognition is key — owners may overlook gradual changes until symptoms become obvious or noticed by someone else.
Jump to a Section
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:16 – 01:14 | What Cushing’s disease is and why it’s common in older dogs. |
| 01:14 – 02:17 | Small-breed predisposition and genetic factors. |
| 02:17 – 03:10 | Pituitary vs adrenal gland causes. |
| 03:10 – 04:23 | Medication-induced Cushing’s and early behavioural symptoms. |
| 04:23 – 05:51 | Muscle loss, coat thinning, immune suppression, and secondary infections. |
| 05:51 – 07:41 | Liver changes, pancreatitis risk, and diagnostic bloodwork. |
| 07:41 – 08:45 | ACTH stim test, LDDS test, and ultrasound for adrenal assessment. |
| 08:45 – 10:47 | When to treat, medication options, and careful monitoring needs. |
| 10:47 – 11:55 | Expected improvements with treatment and long-term outlook. |
| 11:55 – End | Why early detection matters and when to seek veterinary advice. |
General advice only. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your dog’s needs.