Cushing's Disease in Dogs

What is Cushing's disease?

Cushing's disease, also called hyperadrenocorticism, happens when the body makes too much cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone made by the adrenal glands, which sit near the kidneys. It helps the body handle stress, but too much of it for a long time affects the skin, muscles, liver and the body's defences.

In most dogs, the cause is a small, usually non-cancerous growth in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, which tells the adrenal glands to overwork. Less often, the growth is in an adrenal gland itself. Long use of steroid tablets, injections or creams for other problems can cause the same signs. Cushing's is most common in middle-aged and older dogs.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Drinking and urinating much more
• A bigger appetite
• A pot-bellied look
• Thin hair or hair loss on the body
• Heavy panting
• Weak muscles and tiring on walks

Signs develop slowly, and many owners first notice the drinking or the belly.

Which lab tests help

Routine tests often give the first clues. In many dogs with Cushing's, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) (ALP) and Cholesterol Total are high, and a Urine Routine shows dilute urine, sometimes with signs of infection. These findings raise suspicion but do not confirm the disease.

The Urine Cortisol Creatinine Ratio (UCC Ratio) compares cortisol with creatinine in urine. A morning sample collected at home is often preferred, because the stress of a clinic visit can raise cortisol. A normal result makes Cushing's unlikely, but a high result needs more tests, because stress and other illnesses can raise it too.

The Low-dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test (LDDST) (LDDST) is commonly used to confirm Cushing's. Your vet gives an injection, and blood is taken before and at set times after it to see whether cortisol falls as it should. The ACTH Stimulation Test measures cortisol before and after a different injection. It is used especially when steroids may be the cause, and your vet may use it later to follow a diagnosed dog. Your vet gives the injections and plans the timing, and the lab tests the samples.

A registered veterinarian reads all the results together with the dog's signs and history, and may also arrange an ultrasound scan of the adrenal glands.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if your dog drinks much more water, eats more, pants a lot or develops a pot belly or thin coat. Tell your vet about any steroid tablets, injections or creams your dog has had. A dog that collapses, struggles to breathe or seems suddenly very unwell needs a vet the same day.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal. Sample collection is free anywhere in Bhopal, and your vet plans the timing of hormone tests. Samples from other districts can be sent by courier, by bus parcel or through your local vet; call or WhatsApp +91 88175 01118 first. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book. Reports are shared on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.