10/19/2024
Understanding Cushing’s Disease in Dogs
Many years ago, I had the pleasure of grooming a beautiful Schnauzer, always styling him in the classic Schnauzer cut with a skirt. Over time, I noticed his belly began to get bigger, and at first, we thought it was just weight gain. But soon, warts started to appear all over his body, and his belly became noticeably large and hard—so big that we eventually stopped giving him a skirt because it looked awkward. His belly nearly touched the ground, and it looked like he’d swallowed a ball!
After multiple tests at the vet, the diagnosis came: Cushing’s disease.
Since then, I've seen at least half a dozen other dogs with similar symptoms. In each case, I suggested their owners get them tested for Cushing’s, and it turns out they all had it. Seeing this uptick in cases led me to do some research to better understand what causes this condition and how to spot it early on.
What is Cushing’s Disease? Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition where the dog's body produces too much cortisol, a hormone that helps regulate stress, immune function, and metabolism. An excess of cortisol can have damaging effects on a dog’s health if left untreated.
Symptoms to Look Out For:
🔹 Enlarged belly (often called a "potbelly")
🔹 Hard or swollen abdomen
🔹 Excessive thirst and urination
🔹 Increased hunger
🔹 Hair loss, especially along the body’s sides
🔹 Skin changes (warts or thickened skin)
🔹 Muscle weakness or lethargy
🔹 Panting more than usual
What Causes Cushing’s Disease?
If you research cushings, you will find most studies typically list two primary causes:
🔹 Pituitary gland tumor: Most commonly, a small tumor on the pituitary gland triggers excessive production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which, in turn, overstimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
🔹 Adrenal gland tumor: Less commonly, a tumor on one of the adrenal glands causes overproduction of cortisol.
But through my own experience as a groomer for so many years, I noticed a correlation between dogs that had received cortisone treatments, and those that later started showing symptoms of Cushing’s disease. Unfortunately, there isn’t much information specifically linking the two, but it’s something I’ve seen repeatedly.
Cortisone Treatments (Prednisone) are frequently used by vets as a 'cure-all' for inflammation, and to my surprise, I learned it can also contribute to the development of Cushing’s disease!
While cortisone is highly effective in reducing inflammation, prolonged or frequent use can cause the body to produce too much cortisol, potentially leading to Cushing’s. If your dog has been receiving cortisone treatments, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet about the risks and to watch for any of the symptoms listed above.
Why It's Important to Catch Early:
Cushing’s disease can lead to other health complications, including diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney issues, and increased susceptibility to infections. The earlier it’s diagnosed, the better your vet can manage the condition to improve your dog’s quality of life.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, don't wait. Reach out to your vet and ask about testing for Cushing’s. Early detection is key in managing the disease and helping your dog live a longer, healthier life.
