Cushing’s in Dogs: Symptoms & Treatment Options

Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, occurs when a dog’s body produces too much cortisol (a stress hormone that plays an important role in regulating metabolism, immune function) and the body’s response to stress. While cortisol is essential for daily health, too much of it can lead to a variety of serious issues.

There are three main types of Cushing’s disease:

• Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease (PDH): The most common form, caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary gland in the brain
• Adrenal-dependent Cushing’s disease (ADH): Caused by a tumor on one of the adrenal glands
• Iatrogenic Cushing’s disease: Caused by long-term use of corticosteroid medications such as prednisone

No matter the type, early recognition and treatment can help prevent complications and improve your dog’s well-being.

The symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs can develop slowly, making it easy to overlook them at first. Because many signs overlap with other conditions, a veterinary exam is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Common signs include:



• Increased thirst and urination: You may notice your dog drinking more water than usual and needing to go outside more frequently

• Increased appetite: Dogs with Cushing’s often seem constantly hungry

• Panting: Even when resting or in cool temperatures

• Hair loss and thinning coat: Fur may become patchy or slow to regrow

• Pot-bellied appearance: Caused by muscle weakness and fat redistribution

• Skin changes: Thinning skin, dark spots, or recurrent skin infections

• Lethargy or weakness: Reduced stamina during play or walks

If you notice several of these symptoms together, it’s worth bringing them to your veterinarian’s attention.

While Cushing’s disease can affect any dog, certain breeds and age groups are at higher risk. The condition is most commonly caused by pituitary or adrenal tumors, which lead to excessive production of cortisol in the body. 

In some cases, long-term use of corticosteroid medications, which are often prescribed to treat allergies, inflammation, or autoimmune conditions, can result in what’s known as iatrogenic Cushing’s disease.

Risk factors:

Because the symptoms of Cushing’s can mimic other diseases like diabetes or hypothyroidism, diagnosis requires specific tests.

Diagnostic steps may include:

• Physical exam & medical history: Your vet will ask about symptoms, duration, and any medications
• Blood and urine tests: Basic panels can reveal patterns typical of Cushing’s, such as elevated liver enzymes or diluted urine
• Specialized hormone tests: 
• ACTH stimulation tests measure adrenal response
• Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDS) evaluates cortisol suppression
• Imaging: Ultrasound or MRI may be used to identify tumors on the adrenal or pituitary glands.

A combination of these methods helps confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of Cushing’s disease your dog has.

Once diagnosed, treatment depends on the underlying cause and your dog’s overall health.

For most dogs with pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease, the primary treatment is medication that controls excess cortisol production.

Vetoryl® (trilostane) is the most widely prescribed and veterinarian-recommended option. It works by inhibiting an enzyme in the adrenal glands, reducing the production of cortisol to safer levels.

Because every dog’s needs are different, your veterinarian will determine the correct starting dose and adjust it over time based on regular blood tests. This ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure Vetoryl® is both effective and safe for your pet.

In some cases, surgery can provide a more permanent solution—particularly when Cushing’s disease is caused by an adrenal tumor.



• Adrenalectomy: Surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland can be curative if the tumor is benign and has not spread. Dogs who are otherwise healthy may be good candidates, but surgery does carry risks and requires a skilled veterinary surgeon
• Pituitary surgery: Much less common in the U.S., this complex procedure targets pituitary tumors and is typically only performed in specialized veterinary centers

Recovery from surgery involves careful post-operative monitoring, pain management, and follow-up visits. While not every dog is a candidate, surgery can offer the best long-term outcome in select cases.

Even with treatment, many dogs benefit from additional lifestyle adjustments that help keep them comfortable and healthy.

• Nutrition: A balanced, veterinarian-approved diet supports overall health, especially if your dog is prone to weight gain or muscle loss.
• Weight management: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight reduces stress on the joints, heart, and other organs
• Regular health checks: Dogs with Cushing’s are more susceptible to secondary conditions such as diabetes, urinary tract infections, and high blood pressure, so routine vet visits are essential
• Low-stress environment: Providing a calm home and predictable routines can help reduce cortisol spikes

Your veterinarian will work with you to develop a personalized care plan that balances effective treatment with your dog’s comfort and quality of life.