Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with adrenal tumor causing excess hormones and weakness
By Machida, Tatsuhiko et al.·Published in The Journal of veterinary medical science·2008·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Aldosterone-, corticosterone- and cortisol-secreting adrenocortical carcinoma in a dog: case report.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 12-year-old female beagle was brought to the vet because she was drinking a lot of water, urinating frequently, and eating more than usual for two months. Blood tests revealed high liver enzyme levels and low potassium, and further tests showed elevated hormone levels. An ultrasound found a tumor in her adrenal gland, which had spread to her liver and a major blood vessel. The vet started her on a medication called trilostane to help manage her hormone levels, and she initially seemed to feel better. Unfortunately, after a few months, her condition worsened, and she passed away due to the cancer.
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Abstract
A 12-year-old, intact female beagle exhibited symptoms of polyuria-polydipsia and hyperorexia for two months. Blood tests showed elevated asparate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase levels, as well as marked hypokalemia. The results of adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test showed elevated cortisol, aldosterone and corticosterone concentrations. Abdominal ultrasonography confirmed a mass in the left adrenal gland. Masses were also seen in the liver and caudal vena cava. Diagnosis was a tumor of the adrenal cortex with metastases. Trilostane administration was initiated. The dog initially showed improved demeanor as a result of regulating hormone secretion. However, after 88 days, the dog weakened rapidly, before dying on the 117th day. Pathological findings confirmed a diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18388437/