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Why is this happening to us NOW?
Cushings disease seems to strike at the most random times and happens to the best of humans and our beloved pets. It's mostly seen in older animals but there are many cases of it happening to young and middle aged pets. It's unpredictable, there is nothing that you did wrong to cause it. It is a random condition that can happen to any of us or our pets.
The moment you start noticing symptoms it's time to make an appointment with a veterinarian. The most common fist symptom seen is increased thirst (Polydipsia) and the resulting increased urination (Polyuria), although this can be the result of other issues (diabetes, kidney challenges, thyroid imbalance, electrolye imbalance, etc) so it's important to get it checked out. You know your pet best, when something isn't "normal" it's time to get it check out. 
It's important that you make an appointment with a vet knowledgeable with Cushings syndrome and the treatment of Cushings disease. Don't be afraid to ask questions, some vets are rushed and can cause confusion during this already stressful time for us by using medical terminology we aren't familiar with and even worse some have been known to use scare tactics in order to increase your vet bill.
There are many great vets out there with intelligence and genuine love for each and every animal they see, do your research before chosing one. Make sure all your questions are answered, and if money isn't tight it can be beneficial to get a second opinion because every vet has different opinions on the type of treatment that should be used. Every Cushings case is different and your pet should be given customized care. Also make sure that your chosen vet is willing to write prescriptions for you so that you can buy medication from other vet pharmacies, this alone can literally save you $50-$100 a month in medication costs.
Treatment Options
This is a personal choice, some people prefer traditional treatment and others prefer the more natural (and typically more expensive) approach of holistic / homeopathic care, and others strike a fine balance between both treatment types by giving their pet a traditional pharmaceutical drug but then also supplement their diet with vitamins and herbs and even accupuncture sessions to keep their pet in the best condition possible.
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Related Conditions
- Addison's Disease Sometimes referred to as the reverse of Cushings Disease, Addison's is a disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient steroid hormones (whereas Cushings produces too much). Addison's affects the balance of water, potassium, and sodium in the body. We will be expanding this section soon.
- Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism occurs when not enough thyroid hormones are being produced, common symptoms include skin problems and weight issues. A vet can do a T4 test to rule out hypothyroidism. In humans it's commonly caused by an iodine deficiency. We will be expanding this section soon.
- Diabetes Insipidus The most common symptoms are an incredible thirst with the result being extremly diluted urine all hours of the day and night. Symptoms are often confused with Diabetes Mellitus, though with Inspipidus the urine does not contain glucose. In humans it can also be caused by an adverse side effect of certain drugs.
- Diabetes Mellitus Common type 1 and 2 diabetes, you will see excessive thirst with increased urination (diluted) and increased hunger. In dogs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin high blood sugar makes its way into the urine and it takes water along with it causing the classic thirst/urine symptoms (sugar also controls appetite).