In layman’s terms, Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) is when the body produces too much cortisol (a type of steroid). Cortisol is naturally produced by a small gland that sits on top of the kidneys that is called the adrenal gland and it takes orders from the pituitary gland in the brain. There are two ways the body starts producing excess cortisol, either the master pituitary gland gives the orders to the adrenals to ramp up production because of a tumor or, the adrenals themselves have a tumor and they stop listening to the signals from the pituitary gland to stop producing cortisol. The excessive steroid exposure causes the signs of Cushing’s syndrome.
Signs of Cushing’s that a pet owner might notice:
Urinating more than usual
Drinking more than usual
Constant panting
Pot-bellied appearance
Thinning hair
Poor hair regrowth after a hair cut
Darker skin than normal
Blackheads