Issues in Endocrinology

Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) is the most common cause of spontaneous Cushing’s syndrome in dogs. It is the result of the inappropriate secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by a pituitary adenoma.

Primary hypoadrenocorticism, also known as Addison’s disease, is a syndrome caused by bilateral dysfunction of the adrenal cortices. Diagnosis can be difficult and management varies between Addison’s disease and atypical Addison’s disease.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrinopathy in cats, with reported prevalence rates ranging from 0.4% to 1.2%. Factors related to the patient’s diet and adiposity and the presence of comorbid conditions (e.g., acromegaly, pancreatitis) likely contribute to the pathogenesis of feline DM as well as influence response to therapy and chances for achieving remission.

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disease of dogs. Measurement of T4 concentration is helpful to rule out hypothyroidism but should not be solely relied on to confirm the diagnosis.

David Bruyette, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM, and Karen Eiler, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM Feline diabetes mellitus, one of the most commonly encountered feline endocrine diseases, is comprehensively reviewed, with an emphasis on providing up-to-date information on diagnosis and treatment based on current literature and research. The article outlines the insulins available for therapeutic use in cats …

David Bruyette, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM Hyperthyroidism is recognized as the most common endocrinopathy of older cats. Traditional therapeutic measures include thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine therapy, and antithyroid medications. A new therapeutic option—a limited-iodine diet that helps normalize thyroid hormone concentrations and alleviate clinical signs—is now available. Hyperthyroidism is recognized as the most common endocrinopathy of older …