By Toro Park Animal Hospital | November 6, 2026

Is your dog drinking more water, urinating frequently, or developing a rounder belly? These changes may be signs of Cushing’s disease, a hormonal condition that commonly affects middle-aged and senior dogs. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking appropriate pet diagnostic care can help identify the condition and guide treatment.

At Toro Park Animal Hospital, veterinary examinations and diagnostic testing help investigate changes in a dog’s health. Cushing’s disease, also called hyperadrenocorticism, develops when the body produces too much cortisol, a hormone that helps regulate metabolism, stress responses, and immune function.

What Causes Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?

Cushing’s disease occurs when a dog’s body produces excessive cortisol. It generally develops in two forms:

Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s: Usually caused by a small tumor in the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol. This accounts for most naturally occurring cases.
Adrenal-dependent Cushing’s: Caused by a tumor in one of the adrenal glands, which produces excessive cortisol.

Long-term use of corticosteroid medications can also cause a similar condition, known as iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome.

Common Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease

Symptoms often develop gradually, so owners may initially mistake them for normal aging. Watch for:

Increased thirst and frequent urination
Increased appetite
Excessive panting, even at rest
A round or pot-bellied appearance
Hair loss or thinning coat
Thin or fragile skin
Reduced energy and muscle weakness
Recurrent skin or urinary tract infections

Not every dog develops all these signs. Persistent changes in drinking, urination, appetite, or appearance deserve veterinary evaluation.

How Is Cushing’s Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves reviewing symptoms, medical history, physical examination findings, and laboratory results. Routine bloodwork alone cannot confirm Cushing’s disease, but it can reveal abnormalities that support further testing.

Veterinarians may recommend:

Complete blood count (CBC): Evaluates blood cells and may identify changes associated with the condition.
Blood chemistry panel: May show increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol changes, or other abnormalities.
Urinalysis: Checks urine concentration and screens for possible urinary tract infections.
Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST): Measures how cortisol levels respond to dexamethasone and is commonly used as an initial screening test.
ACTH stimulation test: Evaluates how the adrenal glands respond to synthetic ACTH.
Abdominal ultrasound: Helps examine the adrenal glands and other abdominal organs.

The veterinarian selects tests based on the dog’s clinical signs and overall health. No single test is accurate in every situation.

Available Treatment Options for Cushing’s Disease

Treatment depends on the type of Cushing’s disease, the dog’s health, and the presence of other conditions.

Medication: Trilostane is commonly prescribed to reduce cortisol production. Dogs receiving treatment need regular veterinary checkups and blood testing to monitor their response and adjust medication safely.

Surgery: In selected dogs with an adrenal tumor that has not spread, surgical removal may be considered. This option requires careful assessment and specialist involvement.

Radiation therapy: Certain pituitary tumors may be considered for radiation treatment, depending on their size, effects, and specialist recommendations.

Cushing’s disease often requires long-term management. Never change or stop prescribed medication without veterinary guidance.

Cushing’s disease can affect a dog’s comfort and long-term health, but appropriate testing and consistent veterinary monitoring can help manage the condition. If your dog shows persistent changes in thirst, urination, appetite, or appearance, consult a vet near you. Pet owners in Salinas, CA can contact Toro Park Animal Hospital to discuss their dog’s symptoms and schedule an appointment.

FAQs:

Q1. Can Cushing’s disease in dogs be cured?

Ans: Some adrenal tumors may be treated surgically, but many cases require ongoing medical management. Treatment aims to control cortisol levels and improve quality of life.

Q2. At what age do dogs commonly develop Cushing’s disease?

Ans: It is more commonly diagnosed in middle-aged and older dogs, although age alone cannot determine whether a dog has the condition.

Q3. Does Cushing’s disease cause increased thirst and urination?

Ans: Yes. Excess cortisol can affect the body’s ability to regulate water balance, leading to increased drinking and urination.

Q4. How often does a dog with Cushing’s need blood tests?

Ans: Monitoring is more frequent after treatment begins or medication changes. The veterinarian will recommend a schedule based on the dog’s response and test results.

Q5. Can Cushing’s disease be diagnosed with a regular blood test?

Ans: Routine bloodwork may reveal clues, but specialized hormone testing is generally needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Q6. How can the veterinary team help a dog with suspected Cushing’s disease?

Ans: The hospital offers in-house laboratory testing and ultrasound to help investigate health concerns. A veterinarian can assess your dog’s symptoms, recommend appropriate diagnostics, and guide the next steps.