Endocrine diseases
- Diabetes in dogs is usually type 1 diabetes, or
lack of insulin production due to destruction of pancreatic beta cells.
In dogs this is caused by autoimmune disease or severe pancreatitis.
Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, is less common in
dogs, and can be caused by Cushing's syndrome or chronic glucocorticoid
or progestin use. Common signs include weight loss, increased drinking
and urination, and cataracts. Treatment involves twice daily insulin
doses and use of a diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates.
- Diabetes insipidus in dogs can be central, caused
by a lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), or nephrogenic, caused by a
lack of response of the kidneys to ADH. Neither form is common. Central
diabetes insipidus (CDI) is usually idiopathic, but can also be caused
by head trauma or tumors of the brain. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
(NDI) can be primary (hereditary) or secondary (caused by a variety of
metabolic and renal diseases, including Cushing's syndrome and pyometra).
Because the disease is characterized by an inability to concentate
urine, the most common sign is increased drinking and urinating. Treatment
of CDI is to use desmopressin, a synthetic analog of ADH. Treatment of
NDI is to treat the underlying cause, if any.
- Hyperthyroidism is rare in dogs. The most common
cause is thyroid carcinoma, a malignant tumor. Signs include weight
loss, increased appetite, and enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine disease in dogs. It can be caused by
autoimmune destruction or idiopathic atrophy of the thyroid gland. Signs
include decreased appetite, weight gain, hair loss, recurring skin
infections, and lethargy. Treatment is with oral thyroid hormone
supplementation.
- Addison's disease, also known as
hypoadrenocorticism, is a reduction of production of glucocorticoids and
mineralocorticoids by the adrenal glands. It is most commonly caused by destruction of
adrenal tissue, probably by autoimmune disease. Signs include
increased drinking and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, and weight
loss. Hyperkalemia can develop and cause severe bradycardia. Treatment is
with supplementation of mineralocorticoids in daily pills or a monthly
injection. Glucocorticoids are usually supplemented with oral
prednisone.
- Cushing's syndrome, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition characterized by an increase in glucocorticoids secreted by the adrenal glands. About 85 percent of cases are caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland, while 15 percent are caused by an adrenal tumor. Signs include increased appetite, increased drinking and urination, a pot-bellied appearance, muscle weakness, and lethargy. Diagnosis can be difficult as there are no tests with both high sensitivity and specificity. Treatments inclulde mitotane, trilostane, ketoconazole, or selegiline. Surgery is used in some cases of adrenal tumors.
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