Health A-Z
Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
Owner and veterinary guidance with linked treatments and source citations.
Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
Species: Dog
Breeds Affected: All Breeds (usually middle-aged and older; poodles, terriers, dachshunds among breeds often affected)
Clinical review: Veterinary reviewer metadata is not available yet.
Guidance by audience
Use the global Pet owner/Vet toggle in the header. Each mode shows only what that audience needs.
For Pet Owners
Quick summary
Cushing’s disease is an endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands secrete excess cortisol. In 80–85% of cases it's due to a benign pituitary gland tumor (pituitary-dependent Cushing’s); the remaining cases result from an adrenal tumor. Elevated cortisol over time causes a variety of metabolic disturbances. It typically affects dogs >6 years old. If untreated, Cushing’s can lead to complications like diabetes, high blood pressure, or infections. Track appetite, hydration, stool/urine changes, energy level, and symptom pattern over time.
Red flags
Call your vet today: Persistent or worsening symptoms. Emergency now: Collapse, severe breathing issues, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe pain.
What to expect at the vet
Diagnosis should combine history, exam findings, and condition-specific testing.
Prevention checklist
Reduce preventable risk through hygiene, vaccination/preventives when applicable, and routine veterinary follow-up.
For Veterinarians
Diagnostics
Diagnosis should combine history, exam findings, and condition-specific testing.
Differentials
Differential diagnosis considerations are not available yet.
Treatment considerations
Cushing’s is usually managed with medication to reduce cortisol production. The most common treatment is medical management with drugs like trilostane (which blocks adrenal cortisol synthesis) or sometimes mitotane (which selectively destroys part of the adrenal cortex). These drugs are given daily and adjusted based on monitoring tests. In the uncommon case of an adrenal tumor that is operable, surgery (adrenalectomy) can be curative, but surgery is risky and not widely available. Dogs on medical therapy require periodic bloodwork (ACTH stimulation tests) to ensure proper control. With treatment, symptoms improve: drinking and appetite normalize, and skin/hair changes gradually resolve. Lifelong treatment and monitoring are typically required.
Follow-up strategy
Follow-up strategy is not available yet.
What To Do Now
Escalate care quickly if symptoms worsen, persist, or include emergency warning signs.
| Urgency | Signs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Call your vet today | Persistent or worsening symptoms | Call your veterinarian the same day for guidance and exam scheduling. |
| Emergency now | Collapse, severe breathing issues, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe pain | Seek emergency veterinary care immediately. |
Prevention Checklist
Reduce preventable risk through hygiene, vaccination/preventives when applicable, and routine veterinary follow-up.
Treatments and Medication Links
Use these medication pages as a reference for options your veterinarian may discuss.
Detailed treatment strategy remains in the Vet view to avoid duplicate narrative blocks.
| Medication | Role | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pergolide Mesylate | Supportive | Limited | Auto-linked from medication condition map (source=fda_label, confidence=0.950). |
| Trilostane | Supportive | Limited | Auto-linked from medication condition map (source=usage_inferred, confidence=0.780). |
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ content is not available for this condition yet.
Data Sources
Last updated: February 16, 2026, 11:11 AM UTC
View source list
-
Owner_summary · clinical_reference
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/searchresults?query=Cushing%E2%80%99s+Disease+%28Hyperadrenocorticism%29Reference search for condition background. -
Triage · clinical_reference
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/searchresults?query=Cushing%E2%80%99s+Disease+%28Hyperadrenocorticism%29Clinical triage framing. -
Vet_summary · clinical_reference
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/searchresults?query=Cushing%E2%80%99s+Disease+%28Hyperadrenocorticism%29Clinical workflow reference. -
Diagnosis · guideline
https://capcvet.org/?s=Cushing%E2%80%99s+Disease+%28Hyperadrenocorticism%29Guideline discovery link. -
Prevention · public_health
https://www.cdc.gov/search/?query=Cushing%E2%80%99s+Disease+%28Hyperadrenocorticism%29Public health discovery link. -
Treatment_overview · guideline
https://capcvet.org/?s=Cushing%E2%80%99s+Disease+%28Hyperadrenocorticism%29Treatment guideline discovery link.
Revision History
View revision log
-
structured_enrichment2026-02-16 11:11 · etl
-
structured_enrichment2026-02-16 11:00 · etl
-
structured_enrichment2026-02-15 11:11 · etl
-
structured_enrichment2026-02-15 11:00 · etl
-
structured_enrichment2026-02-14 11:10 · etl
-
structured_enrichment2026-02-14 11:00 · etl
-
structured_enrichment2026-02-13 11:11 · etl
-
structured_enrichment2026-02-13 11:00 · etl
-
structured_enrichment2026-02-13 04:45 · etl
-
structured_enrichment2026-02-12 22:47 · etl
Related Media
Related media is not available for this condition yet.
Share Your Thoughts
Let others know your experience or advice regarding this condition.
