Hungry Dog & Cushing's Disease

Sometimes mistaken for the normal signs of aging in a dog, Cushing's disease is an endocrine disorder that causes a dangerous hormone imbalance in your dog's body. If your dog is constantly hungry, prone to infection and is losing hair, your veterinarian can run tests to see if Cushing's disease is the cause of the problems.

  1. Cushing's Disease

    • Cushing's disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, occurs when a dog's adrenal glands produce too much of a hormone called cortisol. Cushing's disease can be caused by a problem with a dog's pituitary gland, which in turn causes a problem in the adrenal glands. Less commonly, Cushing's disease can be triggered by a tumor growing on one of your dog's adrenal glands. It usually develops in dogs over the age of six years.

    Symptoms

    • The most common symptoms of Cushing's disease in a dog are increased hunger, thirst and urination. Cushing's disease interferes with your dog's blood sugar levels, which can lead a hungry dog to gain weight that is stored as fat. If your dog's liver is enlarged because of the disease, it could look pot-bellied. Dogs with Cushing's disease also experience hair loss, thinning of the skin and often bruise easily.

    Treatment: Pituitary

    • According to Washington State University, if your dog's Cushing disease is caused by a problem with his pituitary gland, then medication is available that will treat the condition. The two drugs veterinarians prescribe most are Mitotane and Trilostane, which can be given to your dog orally. They will control your dog's symptoms, including increased hunger. Your dog will need to be given medication once or twice a week for the rest of his life.

    Treatment: Adrenal

    • If your dog has a tumor on one of his adrenal glands, then surgery will be needed to treat his Cushing's disease. Adrenal cancers need to be removed because they can spread to other parts of your dog's body. Your veterinarian might prescribe Trilostane to get your dog's symptoms under control before the procedure is scheduled. After surgery, your dog's appetite for food and water will return to normal after a few weeks.

    Considerations

    • While poodles, beagles and German shepherds are at an increased risk for developing Cushing's disease, any breed of dog can be diagnosed with hyperadrenocorticism. Seek treatment if your dog has Cushing's disease. Not only will your hungry dog gain weight and be less energetic, he will also be at an increased risk for developing bacterial infections, including skin and urinary tract infections, warns "The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook."