What It Is:
Cushing’s Disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a rare endocrine disorder in cats caused by excessive production of cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal glands. Cortisol helps regulate metabolism, blood pressure, immune response, and stress. When cortisol levels stay too high for too long, it disrupts the body’s normal balance and leads to a variety of health problems.
Cushing’s is far less common in cats than in dogs but does occur, especially in middle aged to older cats.
🐾 Common Symptoms
Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease in cats are often subtle at first and may mimic other conditions.
- Increased thirst and urination
- Increased appetite
- Thin or fragile skin
- Hair loss or poor coat quality
- Recurrent skin infections or wounds that heal slowly
- Pot bellied appearance due to abdominal muscle weakness
- Lethargy or reduced activity
- Muscle wasting
- Panting
- Diabetes that is hard to regulate
Because Cushing’s is so uncommon in cats, it is often diagnosed only after diabetes or skin issues fail to improve with standard treatment.
🦠 Causes and Types
Cushing’s Disease in cats usually results from one of three causes:
- Pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism (most common): A benign tumor in the pituitary gland causes the adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol
- Adrenal tumor (less common): A tumor on one of the adrenal glands produces excess cortisol independently
- Iatrogenic Cushing’s (rare): Caused by long term or high dose steroid use, such as prednisolone
Pituitary dependent Cushing’s is responsible for the majority of feline cases.
🔍 Diagnosis
Diagnosis is complex and often requires multiple tests and careful interpretation.
Diagnostic steps may include:
- Physical exam and medical history
- Bloodwork and urinalysis to detect elevated liver enzymes, dilute urine, or poor glucose regulation
- Low dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST), the most commonly used diagnostic test
- ACTH stimulation test to measure adrenal response
- Abdominal ultrasound to evaluate adrenal gland size or detect tumors
- Urine cortisol creatinine ratio as a screening tool
- Imaging of the pituitary or adrenal glands in advanced cases
Testing may need to be repeated or combined to confirm the diagnosis.
💊 Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the disease.
For pituitary dependent Cushing’s:
- Medications such as trilostane may help block cortisol production
- Surgery is not typically used due to the difficulty of accessing the pituitary gland
- Diabetes management is often part of the treatment plan
- Ongoing monitoring with blood tests is necessary to adjust medication
For adrenal tumors:
- Surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland is the treatment of choice
- Postoperative care is critical and includes hormone monitoring and supportive therapy
For iatrogenic Cushing’s:
- Gradual reduction or discontinuation of steroid use under veterinary supervision
- Close monitoring to avoid adrenal crisis as the body readjusts
🩺 Prognosis
Prognosis varies based on the type of Cushing’s and how early it is diagnosed.
- Pituitary dependent cases can often be managed long term with medication
- Adrenal tumors may be cured with surgery, but complications are possible
- Untreated Cushing’s can lead to diabetes, infections, muscle wasting, and reduced quality of life
With proper treatment and monitoring, many cats can live comfortably for months to years after diagnosis.
💡 Cat Owner Note
Cushing’s Disease is tricky to catch, especially since it is so rare in cats. If your cat has diabetes that will not stabilize or skin that tears easily, ask your vet if it could be Cushing’s. A few extra tests today could mean a much better tomorrow.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cushing’s Disease in Cats
Is Cushing’s Disease common in cats?
No. It is quite rare in cats and much more common in dogs.
Can Cushing’s cause diabetes in cats?
Yes. Cortisol affects glucose metabolism and often leads to insulin resistant diabetes.
How is Cushing’s treated in cats?
Treatment depends on the cause. Most cases are managed with medication. Some may require surgery if an adrenal tumor is present.
Can Cushing’s be cured?
Adrenal tumors may be curable with surgery. Pituitary dependent Cushing’s is usually managed, not cured.
Is long term steroid use dangerous for cats?
Prolonged or high dose steroid use can lead to iatrogenic Cushing’s. Always follow your vet’s instructions when using medications like prednisolone.
What is the life expectancy for cats with Cushing’s?
With treatment, many cats live one to three years or longer depending on the severity of the disease and response to therapy.