Cushing’s disease (Canine Hyperadrenocorticism) is a common condition in older dogs, especially in certain breeds. If your dog is showing symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, hair loss, or a pot-bellied appearance, your vet may recommend testing for Cushing’s disease. But what does that process look like—and how much should you expect to spend? Let’s break it down.
1. Initial Assessment: Physical Exam & Basic Bloodwork
Before jumping into specialized tests, your vet will usually start with:
- Physical exam: Checking for classic signs (pot belly, thinning skin, hair loss, etc.)
- Basic bloodwork & urinalysis: These can reveal elevated liver enzymes, dilute urine, and other clues.
Estimated cost:
- Physical exam: $50–$100
- Blood panel & urinalysis: $100–$200
2. Screening Tests for Cushing’s Disease
If initial results suggest Cushing’s, your vet will likely recommend one or more of these specialized tests:
a) Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test (LDDS)
- What it is: The most common and reliable test. Your dog’s blood is drawn, a steroid (dexamethasone) is injected, and blood is tested again a few hours later to see how cortisol levels respond.
- What it tells you: Confirms Cushing’s and can sometimes help differentiate between pituitary and adrenal forms.
Estimated cost: $150–$300
b) ACTH Stimulation Test
- What it is: Measures the adrenal glands’ response to ACTH, a hormone that stimulates cortisol production.
- What it tells you: Helps confirm Cushing’s and is also used to monitor ongoing treatment.
Estimated cost: $150–$250
c) Urine Cortisol:Creatinine Ratio
- What it is: A simple urine test that measures cortisol levels.
- What it tells you: Good for ruling out Cushing’s, but not definitive—if high, further testing is needed.
Estimated cost: $50–$100
3. Advanced Imaging (If Needed)
If tests confirm Cushing’s, your vet may recommend imaging to determine if the cause is a pituitary or adrenal tumor:
- Abdominal ultrasound: Checks for adrenal tumors.
- MRI/CT scan: Used less often, mainly for complex cases or surgical planning.
Estimated cost:
- Ultrasound: $300–$600
- MRI/CT: $1,000–$2,500 (rarely needed for most dogs)
4. Total Cost Estimate
Most owners can expect to spend between $300 and $800 for diagnosis, depending on which tests are needed and your location. Advanced imaging can push costs higher, but isn’t always required.
Final Thoughts
Testing for Cushing’s disease can be expensive and sometimes stressful for both pets and owners. The good news is that natural supplements like lignans and melatonin have been shown to help manage Cushing’s symptoms—even without a confirmed diagnosis. While testing is the only way to know for sure, many pet owners choose to start their dog on lignans and melatonin to support adrenal balance and improve quality of life, especially if classic symptoms are present. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen.