What it is
Cortisol, the stress hormone, is made by the adrenal glands, two small glands near the kidneys, on instructions from the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. In Cushing's disease this balance tips and the adrenal glands make too much, either because the pituitary keeps sending the signal or because a growth has formed in one of the adrenal glands. The excess changes how the body uses fat and protein, how the skin renews itself and how the body handles water.
It tends to appear in middle-aged and older dogs, and it develops so slowly that the changes build up over months.
At home you may find yourself refilling the water bowl again and again, letting the dog out at night, or guarding the bin from a dog that is always hungry. As the muscles weaken, stairs, jumping and long walks can become harder, and the dog may cope less well with heat and pant even at rest.
Signs you may notice
- Drinks more than usual
- Needs to pee more
- Always hungry
- Pants even at rest
- Sagging, pot-bellied look
- Thinning coat on the flanks
A dog may drink and urinate more, seem constantly hungry, pant more and develop a sagging, pot-bellied look. The coat can thin, with bald patches on the flanks, and the skin may become thin.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if your dog starts drinking, urinating or eating noticeably more, or develops a pot belly or a thinning coat, even if it otherwise seems well. These changes are worth checking rather than putting down to age.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.