Canine & Feline Endocrinology

Endocrinology is the study of hormones and their balance within the body of your dog or cat. Sometimes there is an imbalance of necessary hormones, which can result in various diseases. The endocrine system includes the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands and adrenal glands, part of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, kidneys, liver, ovaries and testes. Endocrinology studies show that diseases affected by a poor functioning endocrine system vary between dogs and cats.

  1. Significance of Endocrinology

    • The endocrine system is comprised of different glands that produce hormones, which are transmitted into the bloodstream throughout the body. Each gland and the hormones it secretes works to affect certain parts of the body, as stated by PetPlace.com. The different hormones throughout the body work as messengers in order to regulate bodily functions. Some hormones affect nearly all cells in the body, while others work in specific organs. These hormones can regulate the body's cell metabolism by altering enzyme activity in the receptor cells, as well as control growth and development, metabolic rate, sexual rhythm and reproduction. Diseases of the endocrine system arise when there is an imbalance of hormones.

    Canine Endocrine System Diseases

    • According to VeterinaryPartner.com, there are numerous diseases in dogs resulting from a hormone imbalance of the endocrinology system. Cushing's disease is the result of an excess cortisone-type hormone circulating in the body. Diabetes mellitus is the consequence of how the body handles sugar. Addison's disease is the outcome of a deficiency of hormones. Other factors that can negatively affect the endocrine system are giving birth, excess use of steroids, dehydration, improper insulin levels and an imbalance of the thyroid glands.

    Feline Endocrine System Diseases

    • Endocrinology studies of the feline endocrine system reveal that cats are most prone to diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, obesity and Cushing's disease. There are difficulties in regulating blood sugars in order to prevent dangerous secondary conditions of infections and ketoacidosis.

    Toy Dog Breed Endocrinology

    • Endocrinology studies revealed that toy breeds are prone to hypoglycemia and seizures due to low blood sugar. Their tiny bodies have trouble regulating body temperatures and are susceptible to bacterial infections and liver shunts.

    Diagnostic Tests in Endocrinology

    • PetPlace.com states there are several endocrinology diagnostic tests performed on dogs and cats to determine abnormalities of the endocrine system. Blood tests performed can determine hormones in the blood, what types and how much, as well as the stimulation of the hormones. Other procedures include a serum biochemistry test and a urinalysis that determines if the endocrine system is diseased. CT scans and MRI's may be required as well as radioisotope scans and fine-needle biopsies. When it comes to diagnosing a cat, the symptoms of some of the endocrine diseases are so vague that they can be overlooked without thorough tests.