In an attempt to tell whether the tumor is in the pituitary or in the adrenal gland, the vet may attempt a high dose dexamethasone suppression test (about 80 % of Cushing's dogs have the tumor in their pituitary gland). (2ndchance.info)
CBC / WBC and blood chemistry values including a blood glucose screen for diabetes (dog)(cat), cholesterol level, Thyroid panel for hypothyroidism (free T - 4), ACTH stimulation test or low dose dexamethasone suppression tests for Cushing's disease, TLI, cPL ® or fPL ® for Pancreatitis, fructosamine test for diabetes, urinalysis including protein: creatinine ratio, microalbuminuria test (2ndchance.info)
To further this research, Galatzer - Levy recently launched a pilot project to test whether a single oral dose of dexamethasone given in the emergency room after a traumatic accident or injury decreases the chances of developing PTSD. (sciencedaily.com)