Cushing Syndrome in Dogs: How it Affects Your Dog’s Back Legs and Mobility

Is your dog showing signs of unexplained weakness in their back legs? While it may seem like a sign of aging, one possible cause is Cushing’s syndrome. When a dog has Cushing’s disease, everyday activities like walking, playing, or even standing up can gradually become more challenging. This disease may not only affect hormones but also impact a dog’s overall strength and mobility, especially in the back legs. 

Cushing’s can cause muscle wasting, fatigue, and reduced coordination. Recognizing these early signs can help your dog get timely care. In this blog, we’ll break down what Cushing’s syndrome is, why it weakens a dog’s back legs, the common signs to watch for, treatment options, and what you can do to support your dog.

What is Cushing's Disease in Dogs?

Cushing's syndrome in dogs happens when the body produces too much cortisol, often called the stress hormone. When levels stay high for long periods, a dog may start showing changes in behaviour, metabolism, and even mobility that can be hard to ignore.

Types of Cushing’s

There are a few different forms of this condition, and knowing which one your dog has makes a big difference in how it’s treated:

• Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease: The most common type of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs, usually triggered by a small tumour in the pituitary gland. This form tends to cause long-term hormonal imbalances that affect the whole body.
• Adrenal-dependent Cushing’s disease: Caused by a tumour on one or both adrenal glands. Dogs with this type often show more noticeable symptoms, and treatment can be a bit more involved.
• Iatrogenic Cushing’s disease: A dog may also develop iatrogenic Cushing’s disease if given steroid medications for too long. In this case, it’s the medication—rather than a tumour—that brings on the condition.

Cushing’s syndrome usually shows up in middle-aged and senior dogs, with seniors being the most at risk. Some breeds, like Dachshunds, Poodles, and Terriers, also tend to be more prone to it. Because the hormonal imbalance caused by the disease touches so many parts of the body, a dog may not only deal with cortisol changes but also face complications that drain their energy, weaken muscles, and limit mobility.

Early Signs of Cushing Syndrome to Watch For

Recognizing the early signs of Cushing’s syndrome can make a big difference in getting a timely diagnosis and starting treatment. A dog diagnosed with Cushing’s may show a range of symptoms, and while some seem minor at first, they often become more noticeable over time.

Increased Thirst and Urination

One of the most common symptoms of Cushing’s is that dogs need to drink far more water than usual, which naturally means more frequent potty breaks.

Excessive Hunger (Polyphagia)

Even if you give your dog a full meal, they may still act like they haven’t eaten, as the hormonal changes increase appetite dramatically.

Pot-bellied Appearance

Some dogs develop a rounded belly due to fat redistribution and weakened abdominal muscles, a classic sign of Cushing’s syndrome.

Hair Loss and Thin Skin

These common symptoms of Cushing’s often appear slowly, with the coat becoming patchy and the skin more fragile than normal.

Panting and Lethargy

A dog may pant heavily or tire out quickly, even during light activity, making daily walks or play sessions less enjoyable.

Behavioural Changes

Subtle shifts like restlessness, irritability, or mild anxiety can be early signs of Cushing’s syndrome that owners sometimes overlook.

Weight Gain with Muscle Loss

Dogs with Cushing’s might gain extra weight while at the same time losing muscle, especially in their back legs. This can make them weaker and cause trouble with getting around.

Since many of these common symptoms overlap with other health conditions, testing is the only way to know for sure if a dog has Cushing’s syndrome.

Impact on Dog Back Leg Function

One of the most troubling challenges for dogs with Cushing’s syndrome is the effect on their back legs. Muscle weakness is among the most noticeable symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome, and as it develops, mobility becomes more difficult over time.

• Muscle wasting in the hind leg: As the muscles shrink, dogs with Cushing’s syndrome often lose stability, making their back legs less reliable for support.
• Progressive weakness: This weakness in dogs with Cushing’s makes it harder for them to stand up, climb stairs, or keep their balance during simple movements.
• Gait changes: A lot of dogs begin to stumble, move stiffly, or take shorter steps, clear signs of how back leg functions is affected.
• Difficulty with daily activities: Tasks like jumping on the couch, getting into the car, or going for a walk slowly turn into struggles as mobility declines.
• High cortisol impact: Elevated cortisol levels related to Cushing’s disease speed up muscle breakdown, which worsens the loss of strength over time.
• Progression of back leg weakness: As the stages of Cushing’s disease advance, dogs experience more obvious limitations, with back legs showing the greatest decline.

Hind Leg Weakness Progression

Weakness in dogs with Cushing’s doesn’t always show up all at once—it tends to progress in stages. Early on, a pup might only struggle with climbing stairs or hopping into bed. Later, the stages of Cushing’s disease often bring noticeable difficulty in standing up from a lying position or keeping steady when walking.

This kind of hind leg weakness is often mistaken for osteoarthritis, but when it appears along with other signs of Cushing’s disease, it usually points to a deeper hormonal imbalance rather than simple joint wear and tear.

Managing Muscle and Leg Weakness in Dogs

While dogs with Cushing’s may face challenges with mobility, there are many ways to help them stay comfortable and active. The management of Cushing’s disease is not just about medical treatment—it’s also about supporting muscle strength and making daily life easier for both you and your dog.

• Physical therapy: Simple, vet-recommended exercises can help strengthen weakened muscles and improve balance over time.
• Gentle exercise routines: Light walks or slow-paced activities are great for keeping older dogs moving without adding unnecessary strain.
• Nutrition adjustments: Choosing the right dog food with balanced nutrients can support muscle health and help maintain steady energy levels.
• Environmental changes: Adding non-slip rugs, ramps, or low steps around the home can make movement safer and reduce the risk of falls.
• Assistive devices: Tools like harnesses, supportive slings, or mobility carts give dogs extra help with getting around when their legs feel weak.
• Weight management: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight reduces pressure on joints and muscles, making mobility less of a struggle.
• Joint supplements: Products that support joint health can be especially useful when osteoarthritis in dogs overlaps with Cushing’s-related weakness.

Every dog is unique, so the right mix of these strategies depends on their specific needs and the treatment plan your vet designs.

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Life Expectancy

A proper diagnosis of Cushing’s disease begins with tests such as the ACTH stimulation test or the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. When the test came back positive, the vet can confirm the condition and recommend the most suitable treatment option for your dog.

Medication

The most common treatment for Cushing’s disease usually involves prescription meds that keep cortisol levels in check and ease the symptoms. Since these drugs can affect each dog differently, regular check-ups and follow-up tests are needed to make sure they’re working safely and effectively:

• Trilostane (Vetoryl): Often the first choice, this drug lowers cortisol production and is widely used as a long-term treatment for Cushing’s.
• Lysodren: Another option, Lysodren, works by destroying part of the adrenal tissue that produces excess cortisol. It can be very effective but usually requires closer supervision.

Tailoring exercise, diet, and routine for a dog with Cushing’s disease helps maintain quality of life. While Cushing’s disease is often chronic, the life expectancy for dogs with the condition can still be good with proper care.

Life Expectancy for Dogs with Cushing's

How long a dog lives with Cushing’s can vary, but with the right care, many dogs go on to enjoy happy, comfortable lives. On average, dogs that respond well to medication live between one to four years after diagnosis, and some may live even longer if the condition is detected early and managed consistently.

Sadly, when the stages of the disease progress to the point where comfort is outweighed by suffering, families may need to make the hard decision to euthanize a dog with Cushing’s. While heartbreaking, focusing on supportive care, consistent monitoring, and the right treatment for Cushing’s can help your dog extend both quality and quantity of life.

Final Thoughts

Cushing’s syndrome in dogs can be overwhelming for both pets and their owners, especially when weakness in the back legs begins to affect daily life. While it may look like simple aging at first, understanding the connection between hormonal imbalance, muscle loss, and mobility decline is key to getting your dog the right care.

With early diagnosis and proper treatment, many dogs can maintain a good quality of life and continue enjoying the activities they love. Paying attention to subtle changes in movement, strength, or behaviour will give your dog the best chance at comfort, mobility, and long-term well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cushing’s syndrome in dogs and how does it affect them?

Known as Cushing's syndrome. Cushing’s is a hormonal disorder that impacts dogs in different ways, and understanding it helps you spot the early changes.

Definition:  When a dog is diagnosed with Cushings disease, it means their adrenal glands are producing excessive cortisol.

Key Signs: Common symptoms of Cushing’s disease often include increased thirst, urination, and changes in coat or skin.

Progression: A dog’s symptoms may progress slowly, which sometimes makes it harder for owners to recognize early on.

Misinterpretation: Because Cushing’s disease may mimic aging, many pet parents assume their dog is simply getting older.

Importance of Treatment: Proper awareness ensures you can treat Cushing’s disease sooner and improve quality of life.

What are the common symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs?

Spotting these signs can help you act quickly and get your dog the care they need.

Weakness: Dogs with Cushing’s disease may experience muscle weakness, particularly in their back legs.

Gradual Signs: Dogs with pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease develop symptoms slowly, like hair thinning or a pot-bellied look, while adrenal-dependent cases often stem from an adrenal tumour and may show more distinct changes.

Difficult Decisions: In advanced cases, some may consider euthanizing their dog with Cushing’s, but this depends on overall health and response to care.

Monitoring: Dogs diagnosed with Cushing’s disease require regular monitoring because symptoms can fluctuate.

Skin and Coat Changes: Thinning hair, dry skin, or slow healing wounds are also common indicators of the condition.

How do vets diagnose and classify Cushing’s disease in dogs?

Veterinarians rely on specific tests and careful evaluation to confirm the condition and identify its type.

Blood and Urine Screening: Initial lab work helps detect hormone imbalances that suggest a dog may in fact, have Cushing’s disease.

ACTH Stimulation Test: This common test measures how the adrenal glands respond to hormones and is key to diagnosing Cushing disease.

Imaging Studies: Ultrasound or CT scans help determine if the case is adrenal-dependent or pituitary-related.

Classification for Treatment: Identifying the correct type allows vets to treat Cushing’s with tailored methods, whether medication or surgery.

Ruling Out Other Issues: Since other conditions show similar symptoms, vets use multiple tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

What complications can arise from Cushing’s disease in dogs?

Understanding the effects helps you prepare for the challenges of long-term care.

Adrenal Tumours: Dogs with adrenal-dependent Cushing’s may face complications if the tumour grows or spreads.

Secondary Conditions: Being diagnosed with Cushing disease can increase risks like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Immune System Impact: Because it weakens defences, the condition may resemble or interact with an autoimmune disease.

Organ Stress: This disease can cause strain on the liver, kidneys, and heart over time.

Chronic Management: Living with this difficult disease requires regular monitoring to manage complications effectively.

How do vets decide on the best treatment for Cushing’s disease?

Each case is unique, and the approach depends on your dog’s health and lifestyle.

Baseline Comparison: Vets often compare results against what’s normal for a healthy dog to set a clear starting point.

Individual Fit: The choice of therapy depends on what’s right for your dog, including age, tumour type, and overall health.

Treatment Adjustments: Since other diseases can develop Cushing’s, some treatments overlap but must be carefully adjusted.

Progression Check: If medication stops working, your vet may discuss treatment at this point, such as surgery or alternative drugs.

Symptoms Review: Even if your dog is under treatment, one of the symptoms may flare up again, signalling the need for adjustments.