Introduction
Cushing's Disease progresses very slowly and initially very few owners notice that there is anything wrong with their pet. In some cases, it can take anywhere from six months to six years before a diagnosis is made. This is primarily because changes occur so gradually, that many owners think the changes are the result of normal aging.
Symptoms of Cushing's Disease in Cats
The first and most common sign of Cushing's disease is often excessive thirst and excessive urination. The pet may ask to be let out at night to urinate or may have accidents in the house. It may also have an increased appetite that leads to stealing food, eating garbage, and continuous begging at the table. This increased appetite may lead owners to believe that there is nothing really wrong with their pet.
Other classical symptoms of Cushing's disease include abdominal enlargement (pot-bellied appearance), lethargy, panting, muscle weakness, and frequent skin infections. Hair loss often occurs from the trunk of the body but not from the head or the legs. Diagnosis of this disease is usually via blood tests.