High Incidence of Cushing’s Disease in Poodles — Symptoms in Senior Dogs and Timing for Regular Check-ups

EndocrineBreed HealthMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Poodles are one of the small-breed dogs with a higher incidence of Cushing’s disease. If you notice symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, or a distended abdomen after your dog reaches eight years of age, early detection through regular check-ups is key.

Why Are Poodles Predisposed to Cushing’s Disease?

A Poodle receiving an abdominal examination by a veterinarian

Cushing’s disease in Poodles is an endocrine disorder caused by excessive cortisol secretion from the adrenal cortex, leading to symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, increased appetite, abdominal distension, and symmetrical hair loss. What’s especially important is that Poodles, particularly Miniature Poodles, are recognized as a breed with a higher risk of developing this condition compared to other breeds. If your middle-aged or senior Poodle suddenly starts drinking significantly more water or develops a pot-bellied appearance, don’t dismiss it as simple aging—schedule an endocrine evaluation to rule out Cushing’s disease.

Why Poodles Are Vulnerable to Cushing’s Disease

According to veterinary internal medicine textbooks, Poodles are considered a breed predisposed to hyperadrenocorticism, including pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease (PDH), along with Dachshunds, Boston Terriers, Boxers, and Beagles. About 85% of all Cushing’s cases are PDH, which is caused by a small tumor (microadenoma) in the pituitary gland that overstimulates the adrenal glands. The risk is particularly high in Miniature Poodles, and the disease typically develops in middle-aged to senior dogs. In other words, the risk increases with age.

Key Symptoms in Senior Poodles

If two or more of the following signs appear together, Cushing’s disease should be suspected: - Polydipsia and polyuria: Drinking more than twice the usual amount of water, with increased urine volume and frequency - Polyphagia: Abnormally increased appetite, leading to strong food obsession - Abdominal distension: A sagging, rounded “pot belly” appearance - Symmetrical alopecia: Even hair loss on both sides of the flanks and back - Thin skin: Visible blood vessels and easy bruising - Increased panting: Frequent panting unrelated to heat

An elderly Poodle that drinks water frequently

When Immediate Veterinary Examination Is Necessary

If a Poodle aged 8 or older experiences symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and abdominal distension for more than four weeks, it is important not to dismiss them as simple aging or dietary issues, but to seek an endocrine evaluation. This is especially true if the excessive thirst and urination began suddenly or if the dog’s appetite has increased to an uncontrollable degree, as these signs may indicate conditions like diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease, which share similar symptoms and require differential diagnosis. Additionally, since urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly associated with Cushing’s syndrome, early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent complications.

How Is It Diagnosed?

We start with basic blood and urine tests to identify any warning signs, then move on to specialized endocrine testing. The most commonly used tests are the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) and the ACTH stimulation test. Both require multiple blood draws over time, so your pet will need to stay at the clinic for half a day to a full day. To distinguish between pituitary-dependent and adrenal-dependent causes, an abdominal ultrasound is added, and if necessary, an MRI of the pituitary gland may be considered.

Treatment Options — Medication, Surgery, and Monitoring

The treatment approach depends on where the problem originates. In pituitary-dependent cases, dogs are typically prescribed a steroid synthesis inhibitor like trilostane for ongoing management. Trilostane works by blocking the production of adrenal hormones, including cortisol. For cases caused by an adrenal tumor, surgical removal is the primary consideration; however, for senior dogs where surgery is not feasible, medical management is pursued instead. After starting medication, response is monitored regularly, usually every three to six months, using an ACTH stimulation test. Blood cortisol levels are measured two to four hours after administration to help adjust the dosage. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate schedule and dose based on your dog’s weight and clinical response.

A Poodle receiving medication for Cushing’s disease

Recommended Timing for Regular Check-ups by Poodle Age

Item	6–7 years	8–10 years	11 years and older
Basic blood/urine test	Once a year	Every 6 months	Every 6 months
Abdominal ultrasound	When symptomatic	Once a year	Every 6 months
Endocrine testing (LDDST/ACTH)	When symptomatic	When symptomatic	Once a year recommended
Blood pressure measurement	When symptomatic	Once a year	Every 6 months

Intervals may be adjusted according to the veterinarian's judgment and each individual's risk level

What to Monitor at Home During Treatment

For consistent effectiveness, administer the prescribed dose at the same time every day, right after meals. Tracking your pet’s water intake and urine output on a weekly basis will greatly help in assessing how well the medication is working. If you notice a sudden loss of appetite, or persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, these are signs that the dosage may need adjustment—please contact your veterinarian immediately. Never stop the medication abruptly, as this can lead to a life-threatening adrenal crisis.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should Poodles start being monitored for Cushing’s disease?

Since this condition typically occurs in middle-aged to senior dogs, it’s a good idea to be mindful of signs such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and abdominal distension starting around age 8. Beginning annual basic blood tests at ages 6–7 makes it easier to track changes over time.

Does polyuria and polydipsia alone always indicate Cushing’s disease?

Not necessarily. Conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, pyometra, and simple polydipsia can present with similar symptoms. Therefore, we first rule out other potential causes through basic blood and urine tests before proceeding with endocrine testing.

Is Cushing's syndrome curable?

In some cases, complete surgical removal of an adrenal tumor can lead to a cure. However, the majority of cases are pituitary-dependent, which is more akin to a chronic condition requiring lifelong medication management. Regular monitoring is key.

Medication costs are quite high, so is it okay to give the medicine intermittently?

Stopping or reducing the dose on your own can cause cortisol levels to spike again, worsening symptoms and potentially leading to an emergency such as an adrenal crisis. If the cost is a concern, talk to your veterinarian about adjusting the dosage or switching to a different formulation.

Can a Poodle diagnosed with Cushing’s disease still go for walks and exercise?

Yes, it’s possible. However, it’s best to keep outings short and frequent, scheduling them during times when your pet is feeling well. If you notice heavy panting or weakness in the hind legs, don’t push it—prioritize rest instead.

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References

[1] Feldman EC, Nelson RW. Canine and Feline Endocrinology, 4th Ed. Saunders.

[2] Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 8th Ed. Elsevier.

[3] Mooney CT, Peterson ME. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Endocrinology, 5th Ed.