Cushing’s Disease in dogs, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is the most common disorder of the endocrine system in aging dogs. There are two different forms of canine Cushing’s disease, but both forms cause the same classic Cushing’s symptoms to appear. Either form of the disease requires treatment, and there are different treatment options for Cushing's Disease available.
Because it often afflicts older dogs, Cushing’s disease can easily fool owners who think they’re simply seeing the natural effects of old age on their pet. The most common symptom is increased water intake and the resulting increase in urination.
Cushing’s Disease symptoms in dogs can often mimic other diseases, and an accurate Cushing’s diagnosis involves a lot of detective work. Initial blood and urinalysis tests will help to uncover any other possible causes of the symptoms such as diabetes or hypothyroidism, and the results of these initial tests will show if Cushing’s disease is indeed a possible diagnosis.
Cushing’s disease causes severe and eventually debilitating symptoms in dogs, and the majority of canine Cushing’s cases cannot be cured. Fortunately, dogs can receive treatments for Cushing’s to offset the disease’s symptoms. Most of the treatment options for Cushing’s disease
in dogs are used to give the dog an increased quality of life for his or her remaining time.