Adrenal Disorders (Cushing's & Addison's)
Cushing's (too much cortisol) and Addison's (too little) — two ends of the adrenal spectrum.
What is Adrenal Disorders (Cushing's & Addison's)?
The adrenal glands produce cortisol and aldosterone, hormones that regulate stress response, metabolism, and electrolyte balance. Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is usually caused by a pituitary tumour driving excess cortisol, or by long-term steroid use. Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism) is the opposite — the adrenals fail to produce enough hormones, causing episodic weakness and, in a crisis, shock.
Common signs and symptoms
Signs vary between dogs and can be subtle at first. Watch for the following, especially if several appear together or persist for more than a few days:
- Cushing's: increased thirst, urination, and appetite; pot-bellied appearance; thinning coat; recurrent skin/urinary infections; panting at rest
- Addison's: waxing-and-waning weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss; sometimes only apparent during stress
- Both: lethargy and reduced resilience
Risk factors
Certain dogs are more predisposed. Understanding risk helps you screen earlier and act sooner.
- Cushing's: middle-aged to senior small breeds (Poodle, Dachshund, Terriers)
- Addison's: young-to-middle-aged females; Standard Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Bearded Collie
- Chronic corticosteroid therapy (iatrogenic Cushing's)
When to see a vet
Use this as general triage guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- Book a routine appointment if: you see a classic Cushing's picture or unexplained recurrent GI/weakness episodes.
- Seek urgent care if: collapse, severe weakness, or shock — Addisonian crisis is life-threatening and needs immediate care.
Diagnosis and management
Diagnosis requires specific hormone tests (ACTH stimulation, low-dose dexamethasone suppression). Cushing's is typically managed with trilostane and regular monitoring. Addison's is managed with lifelong hormone replacement (DOCP injections and/or oral prednisone) and, once stable, most dogs live a normal life expectancy.