Cushing's disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition in which your dog's adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone cortisol. It affects your dog's entire system, producing a variety of symptoms. Dogs older than 6 are most susceptible to Cushing's disease.
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Common Symptoms
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Excessive appetite, thirst and urination are the most common canine Cushing's disease symptoms. However, the most easily identifiable ones are a pot-bellied appearance, thin skin and hair loss on the dog's torso, and frequent bacterial infections, especially of the skin and bladder.
Rare Symptoms
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Less common symptoms are stiffness, an awkward gait with the paws knuckling over, heavy panting, sudden breathing difficulty because of pulmonary blood clots and general weakness, according to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Significance
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Increased thirst means excessive cortisol is preventing your dog's kidneys from reabsorbing water, so he is losing it as urine. A pot-belly means your dog's liver is enlarged, and bacterial infections are a sign of a weakened immune system.
Diagnosis
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No test exists specifically for canine Cushing's disease. Your vet will run blood and urine tests looking for other indications, including elevated white blood cell count, increased liver enzymes and cholesterol, and diluted urine.
Treatment
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Cushing's most often results from either pituitary or adrenal gland tumors; the pituitary releases hormones that trigger adrenal cortisol production. Drugs are the treatment of choice for both causes, but surgery is an option for adrenal-dependent Cushing's.
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