Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with adrenal gland tumor causing high hormone levels and drinking
By Tatsuhiko Machida et al.·Published in Journal of Veterinary Medical Science·2008·View original on Semantic Scholar →
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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 in for excessive thirst, frequent urination, and increased appetite that had lasted for two months. Blood tests revealed liver enzyme elevations and low potassium levels, while further testing showed high levels of certain hormones. An ultrasound found a tumor in her adrenal gland, along with masses in her liver and a major vein. The dog was started on a medication called trilostane to help manage her hormone levels, and she initially seemed to feel better. Unfortunately, her condition worsened over the following months, and she passed away 117 days after diagnosis due to adrenocortical carcinoma (a type of adrenal gland 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 Semantic Scholar: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/18388437