ENDOCRINOLOGY

Endocrine diseases need to be identified early and are caused by a variety of dysfunctions that occur in various organs such as the pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, thyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, testes, kidneys, liver and heart.  These dysfunctions can be reversed if treated early to prevent potentially life threatening conditions.  Chemical messengers called hormones have many different functions and effects in the body.  Most endocrine tissues are glands which release hormones directly into the bloodstream.  Very sensitive tests measure these very small quantities of hormone that circulate in the blood.

Endocrine glands that produce too much hormone are usually affected by tumors or abnormal tissue.  When endocrine glands have been destroyed they don’t produce enough hormones. The prefix "Hyper" refers to an overabundance of hormone production and "Hypo" refers to a deficiency of hormone production.

Diseases with overabundance of hormone can be treated with tumor removal, radiotherapy or medication.   Conditions with a lack of hormone can be treated by hormone replacement, which usually requires lifelong treatment and monitoring.

DETAILED DESCRIPITONS OF ENDOCRINE CONDITIONS

(click on condition for more information)

Pituitary Gland Tumors

Thyroid Gland Tumors

Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Hyperadrenal or Cushing's Disease in Dogs

                            Treatment of Cushing's Disease in Dogs

Hypoadrenal or Addison's Disease in Dogs

                             Testing and Monitoring Addison's Disease

Pancreatic Disease

                             Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

                             Diabetes Mellitus in Cats

                             Dr. Ruth MacPete Pet Diabetes Series

Ovarian Tumors

Testicular Tumors

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