Hyperadrenocorticism is an overproduction of cortisol, a steroid normally produced by your dog’s adrenal glands.

Hyperadrenocorticism is also called Cushing’s disease.

Typical symptoms include increased thirst and hunger, increased urination, panting, the development of a pot-belly, hair loss, skin infections, muscle loss, weakness and panting.

Hyperadrenocorticism generally strikes middle-aged to senior dogs. Although any breed or mix can get hyperadrenocorticism, it occurs more frequently in certain breeds such as Boston Terriers, Boxers and Dachshunds.

Your dog can get hyperadrenocorticism in essentially three ways. First, it may be caused by over-secretion of a hormone called ACTH. The pituitary gland in your dog’s brain will cause the ACTH over-secretion which, in turn, will trigger the adrenal glands to over-secrete cortisol. Second, this disease may be caused by a cortisol-secreting benign or malignant tumor. This is much less common than the pituitary-dependent cause. Third, hyperadrenocorticism may have an iatrogenic cause. Iatrogenic essentially means caused accidentally by medical intervention. In this case, the iatrogenic cause is the over-administration of steroids to your dog.

Your vet will generally use a combination of diagnostic procedures to diagnose hyperadrenocorticism. Your dog’s symptoms, routine blood work and urinalysis will provide a basis for suspicion that your dog has hyperadrenocorticism. Your vet will also want to know if your dog has been prescribed any steroids. An ACTH stimulation test can confirm cortisol over-secretion. Imaging techniques such as X-rays or ultrasound can be used to search for adrenal gland tumors.

Usually, treatment consists of putting your dog on medication to reduce the amount of cortisol secretion by the adrenal glands. If hyperadrenocorticism has been caused by an adrenal gland tumor, the tumor may be surgically removed. If hyperadrenocorticism has been caused by your dog’s steroid use, reducing or stopping the steroids will reduce symptoms.

The only means of prevention applies to iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism, which can be prevented by giving your dog steroids only when absolutely necessary and in very carefully controlled levels.

No, you cannot get this condition from your dog.