How is Cushing’s disease diagnosed in dogs?

Original Question: What diagnostic test would you recommend to confirm a dog's Cushing’s disease? - Patricia

Oct 28, 2018

Hi Patricia,

Thanks for your question.

I’m sure your veterinarian has outlined the diagnostic testing that is recommended to investigate and confirm the presence of Cushing’s disease in dogs. The following is a standard list of the tests that are done in succession to achieve this that most practitioners and textbooks would outline.

Bloodwork and urinalysis
Urine cortisol:creatinine ratio test
Low dose dexamethasone test
Possibly a high dose dexamethasone depending on results of the low dose test
Abdominal ultrasound and/or X-rays
Prior to treatment you would perform an ACTH stimulation test but some practitioners may want to do this test during the diagnosis phase

Keep in mind that veterinarians can differ in their diagnostic and treatment protocols and this is completely acceptable. We all develop our programs to what we are most knowledgeable and comfortable with that has achieved best success of the patients we treat.