Resources & Support
Trusted veterinary sources and practical guidance for navigating your dog's Cushing's journey
Veterinary Resources
All information on this website is backed by peer-reviewed veterinary sources. Here are the primary references we use and recommend for further reading.
Key Research
2012 ACVIM Consensus Statement
Behrend, E.N., et al. (2013). Diagnosis of spontaneous canine hyperadrenocorticism: 2012 ACVIM Consensus Statement. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
The gold standard reference for diagnosing Cushing's disease in dogs, including symptom recognition and testing protocols.
Trilostane Dosing Study
Veterinary Record (2022). Low-dose trilostane treatment twice daily and survival in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
Research showing that low-dose trilostane treatment twice daily may provide better outcomes than higher doses.
Recommended Reading
For those who want to dive deeper into the veterinary science behind Cushing's disease, these are the core textbooks and consensus statements referenced by specialists worldwide.
Core Textbooks
Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC, Côté E (eds). Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 9th edn. Elsevier, 2024.
Mooney CT, Peterson ME, Shiel RE (eds). BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Endocrinology, 5th edn. BSAVA, 2023.
Nelson RW, Couto CG (eds). Small Animal Internal Medicine, 6th edn. Elsevier, 2020.
Rand J (ed), Behrend EN, Gunn-Moore D, Campbell-Ward M (associate eds). Clinical Endocrinology of Companion Animals. Wiley-Blackwell, 2013.
Key Consensus Statements & Reviews
Behrend EN, Kooistra HS, Nelson R, Reusch CE, Scott-Moncrieff JC. Diagnosis of spontaneous canine hyperadrenocorticism: 2012 ACVIM consensus statement. J Vet Intern Med 2013;27:1292–1304.
Acierno MJ, Brown S, Coleman AE, et al. ACVIM consensus statement: Guidelines for the identification, evaluation, and management of systemic hypertension in dogs and cats. J Vet Intern Med 2018;32:1803–1822.
Mellett Keith A, et al. Gallbladder mucocele in dogs: A review. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2021;51:1345–1358.
How to Talk to Your Vet
Effective communication with your veterinarian is crucial for getting the best care for your dog. Here are practical tips to make your vet visits more productive.
Keep a daily log of symptoms, water intake, urination frequency, appetite changes, and behavior. Bring this to your appointment.
Visual evidence of coat changes, skin issues, body shape, and sores can be incredibly helpful for your vet.
Instead of 'drinks a lot,' say 'drinks 3 bowls per day instead of 1.' Specific observations help vets make accurate assessments.
Don't hesitate to ask about test options, treatment alternatives, monitoring schedules, and expected outcomes.
Ask for copies of all test results and keep them in a folder. This helps track progress and is useful if you need a second opinion.
Testing and treatment can be expensive. Ask about costs and payment plans before proceeding.
Owner Observations Handout
A printable form to help you document your dog's symptoms and observations before your vet visit. This structured format makes it easier for your vet to assess your dog's condition.
Community & Stories
We're building a community where dog owners can share their experiences, support each other, and contribute to a growing database of Cushing's cases. This section will feature real stories from families navigating this journey.
Community features coming soon
Important Disclaimer
This website provides educational information only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your dog's health and treatment decisions. The content on this site is based on peer-reviewed veterinary sources and personal experience, but every dog is unique and requires individualized care.
Continue Learning
Explore more about Cushing's disease, read Sara's story, or check the symptoms guide.