Veterinary Endocrinology
Endocrine Issues in Pets
Endocrine disease is caused by an abnormal balance or regulation of your pet's hormones leading to a range of serious symptoms and in some cases life-threatening health issues. Signs that your pet may have an endocrine disorder include.
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Major increase or decrease in thirst
- Significant increase or decrease in appetite
- Changes in the appearance of skin and coat
- Weakened energy levels or change in personality
How do you treat endocrine disorders?
The treatment of your pet's endocrine disorder will depend on the underlying cause of the hormonal imbalance and whether your pet is experiencing an overproduction of hormones or a deficit.
Treating Endocrine Overproduction
Endocrine diseases caused by too much of a hormone may be treated surgically, with radiotherapy (such as the use of radioactive iodine to destroy an overactive thyroid gland), or with medications to block a tumor from over-secreting a hormone.
Treating a Hormonal Deficit
Conditions causing hormonal deficits are typically treated by supplementing the missing hormone, such as providing pets with diabetes mellitus with insulin injections.