Hyperadrenocorticism, also known as Cushing's Disease, is a slowly progressing disease caused by elevated levels of glucocorticoids (steroids) that manifests itself in different ways in canines. The list of symptoms, in fact, can be so long that nervous dog owners could easily misconstrue any one of them for Cushing's Disease. However, there are some symptoms that are more common and, should your pet show signs of these symptoms, take the dog to a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Augments in Water Consumption and Urination
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Approximately 85% of cases of hyperadrenocorticism in dogs present this symptom, according to Doctors Foster and Smith's Pet Education website. Dogs drink far more water (polyuria) and also, as a direct result, urinate more and more often (polydipsia). Dogs have been seen to drink between two and 10 times the normal amount of water.
Appetite Increase
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Many dogs eventually diagnosed with Cushing's Disease (approximately 80% of registered cases) showed significant increases in appetite (polyphagia). Formerly "well-behaved" dogs may begin stealing food, may become overly aggressive around food and tend to become very protective of food.
Abdominal Inflation
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Abdominal enlargement and inflation takes place as fat shifts to the abdominal area and muscle mass in the abdomen begins to deteriorate. Pet Education states that this happens in approximately 80% of cases and leads to the appearance of a pot-belly.
Hair Loss and Thinning of the Skin
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Many cases of hyperadrenocorticism (from between 50% and 90% according to Pet Education) are marked by hair loss (alopecia). Hair generally starts to fall away from heavily worn areas such as elbows and flanks, and may proceed around the rest of the body until only the head and extremities remain covered in hair. The skin can also appear to thin and, when cut or scratched, take considerably longer to heal.
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