Cushing’s Syndrome FAQS
Frequently asked Questions about Cushing’s Syndrome
Common questions from dog owners who are noticing changes and want to understand what might be going on.
Cushing’s can look different from dog to dog, and many signs can be mistaken for normal aging. Common things dog owners notice include: drinking more water, needing to go out more often, increased appetite, panting more than usual, lower energy or muscle weakness, and changes like hair loss or a pot-bellied shape.1
If you’re noticing any or a combination of these changes in your dog, it may be worth discussing them with your veterinarian.
Absolutely. Many conditions produce similar signs of disease, including an underactive thyroid, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or infections. As your dog displays more signs of disease together, the likelihood of Cushing’s increases. But only your vet can determine the cause through testing.1
Most conditions that look like Cushing’s can be serious, so it’s always worth having your vet investigate if you’re concerned.
Diagnosing Cushing’s isn’t always straightforward because cortisol levels naturally change throughout the day.1 Therefore, your vet won’t rely on just one test. They may recommend blood and urine tests along with the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test and/or the ACTH stimulation test.
Sometimes more than one test is needed. While this can take time, it helps to ensure the most accurate diagnosis.
It can. Behavior related to eating and drinking may change — including increased food aggression or accidents indoors. Lethargy and reduced exercise tolerance are also common.2
Because these changes happen gradually, they can be easy to overlook. Keeping track of what you notice — and when — can be very helpful when talking to your vet.
The most important thing you can do is come prepared with specific observations: what you noticed, when it started and how often it’s happening. Our Cushing’s Checklist helps organize exactly that and creates a summary you can bring to your appointment.
A note from us
If you’re concerned about your dog’s health, your veterinarian is the best place to start. You’re not expected to have the answers. Your veterinarian is there to help guide you.