Understanding Cushing's in Dogs

What is Cushing's?

Canine Cushing's in a condition that is caused when the adrenal glands produce an excessive amount of cortisol (cortisone.) Cortisol is a hormone that is essential to all the tissue and almost every organ in the body and helps to control the body's use of fats, carbs and proteins and also assists in regulating the body's stress response 

​What causes Cushing's?

There are 3 primary causes of Cushing's.
1) A pituitary gland tumour, located on the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. 
This is the most common cause of Cushing's with over 90% of cases being caused by this tumour, which is often benign.  
2) A tumour on the adrenal gland. 
3) Cushing's brought on by the administration of steroid medications, used for treatment of other health issues. 

Symptoms of Cushing's

Symptoms vary between dogs, they may show some of the symptoms below but not always at the same time.

• Increase in drinking
• Increase in eating
• Increase in urination
• Excess panting
• Reduced exercise
• Fur loss
• Changes in coat and skin colour
• Re-occurring skin infections
• Pot belly 

Treatment of Cushing's

Not all cases of Cushing's are life threatening. If the symptoms of Cushing's are not impacting a dog's quality of life, the decision will often be made for no treatment at all.
However, should their quality of life be impacts, medication intervention is available. This may be in the form of combined medications or, if safe to do so, surgery may be suggested to remove the affected organ.  
A vet should always be consulted for diagnosis of Cushing's and treatment options.