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: Any dog can develop Cushing’s; however, small breeds (e.g. Miniature Poodles, Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers, Boston Terriers, Boxers) and certain larger breeds (e.g. German Shepherds) are predisposed
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 caused by chronic overproduction of cortisol. Approximately 85% of cases are due to a benign pituitary tumor (pituitary-dependent Cushing’s) or an adrenal tumor; iatrogenic Cushing’s can also occur with long-term steroid use. 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
For pituitary-dependent cases, oral medications (e.g. trilostane) are used; for adrenal tumors, surgical removal may be curative.
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, 11:12 AM UTC
View source list
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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
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structured_enrichment2026-02-16 11:12 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-16 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-15 11:11 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-15 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-14 11:10 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-14 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-13 11:11 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-13 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-13 04:45 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-12 22:47 · etl
Related Media
Related media is not available for this condition yet.
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