Glossary

Cushing's disease

A hormone disorder in which the body makes too much cortisol, usually in middle-aged and older dogs, causing thirst, a pot belly and thin skin.

Also called: Cushings, hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing's syndrome, HAC, excess cortisol

Cushing's disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, means the adrenal glands make too much cortisol, the body's main stress hormone. In most dogs a small tumor in the pituitary gland drives it, and in the rest the cause is a tumor on an adrenal gland. It can also result from long-term use of steroid medicines, which a vet will recognize.

Common signs are drinking and urinating a lot, a big appetite, panting, a pot belly, thin skin, hair loss on the flanks and recurring skin infections. Owners often dismiss these as old age.

Several blood tests, and sometimes ultrasound, are needed to confirm it, and the results can be tricky to interpret. Poodles, dachshunds and terriers are among breeds seen often. It is different from Addison's disease, which is the opposite problem.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

In the index now

Related terms

Diabetes mellitus A disease in which the body cannot make or use enough insulin, so blood sugar stays high, with increased thirst and urination. Addison's disease A hormone disease in which the adrenal glands make too little cortisol and often too little aldosterone, causing vague illness and sometimes crisis. Hypothyroidism A condition in which the thyroid gland makes too little hormone, slowing the metabolism and causing weight gain, lethargy and coat and skin changes.