Adrenal Surgery in Dogs

Adrenal gland issues can be frustrating for any pet owner. They can cause behaviorial changes such as lethargy in a dog who's normally quite active. Not all adrenal gland issues can be solved with medication so in some cases, surgery is the best option.

  1. Symptoms of an Adrenal Gland Issue

    • Dogs who are suffering from an issue with the adrenal gland will display many symptoms that are associated with a variety of diseases and conditions. For this reason, it is important that your veterinarian determines the true underlying cause before pursuing any treatment options. One of the most common symptoms includes vomiting, which may be accompanied by diarrhea. Additional symptoms of an adrenal gland issue include obesity, hair loss, thin skin, panting and lethargy. Some dogs may also display a change in bowel movements such as increased urination or thirst.

    Diagnosis

    • There are a variety of tests that may be run on your dog prior to diagnosis. Most veterinarians will preform a urinalysis to help determine the underlying problem. In dogs with adrenal gland problems, the urine often contains elevated levels of bacteria and cholesterol. Most issues with the adrenal gland do not require any surgery. For example, dogs with hyperadrenocorticism will be put on medications to control the issue.

    Reasons for Adrenal Gland Surgery

    • The adrenal gland is an important part of the body because it controls hormones that control heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. Therefore, surgery is not usually the first option for many veterinarians because most conditions can be controlled through medication and hormone supplements. Surgery is usually required to remove tumors, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Often, removing the tumor allows the dog to return to normal health.

    Surgery

    • Some dogs will need to be on medication for many weeks prior to surgery, particularly if they have a high heart rate or high blood pressure; otherwise more serious complications could arise. The adrenal gland is located near several large blood vessels so the actual surgery itself can be very difficult. In the event that tumors are the reason for surgery, the other organs will also be inspected during the surgery. During this time, some of the additional organs may need to be removed depending on which organs they are and how severe the tumors are.

    Aftercare

    • Following an adrenal gland surgery, your veterinarian will recommend proper aftercare. You should avoid allowing your dog to chew or lick excessively at the sutures. This could cause infection and in some cases may lead to an emergency trip to the animal hospital. Fortunately, recovery time for this surgery is usually relatively quick and your dog will be back to normal soon.