Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasound helped find adrenal tumor in a 10-year-old Shih Tzu
By Yoon, Seunghyeon et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary science·2017·Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging, South Korea·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Repetitive ultrasonographic assessment of adrenal size and shape changes: a clue for an asymptomatic sex hormone-secreting adenoma.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old castrated male Shih Tzu was found to have an adrenal tumor, even though he showed no typical symptoms like increased thirst or urination. The vet used ultrasound to monitor changes in the size and shape of the adrenal gland, which helped identify the tumor. After performing a hormone test, they confirmed the presence of abnormal hormone levels but normal cortisol levels. The tumor was surgically removed, and a diagnosis of adenoma (a type of tumor) was made. Regular ultrasound checks can be important for spotting issues in dogs that seem healthy.
People also search for: Shih Tzu adrenal tumor symptoms · dog adrenal gland ultrasound · treatment for dog adrenal adenoma
Abstract
Diagnosis of an adrenal tumor without typical clinical signs related to hyperadrenocorticism and elevated alkaline phosphatase is challenging. This report describes a sex hormone-secreting adrenal tumor in a 10-year-old castrated male Shih Tzu evaluated through repetitive ultrasonographic examination. An adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test revealed elevated concentrations of androstenedione and 17-hydroxyprogesterone but a normal cortisol concentration. A mass was surgically excised and adenoma was diagnosed histopathologically. In the present case, adrenal tumor was strongly suspected based on a gradual increase in adrenal size and a change from peanut shape to an irregular mass on repetitive ultrasonography. Repetitive ultrasonographic examination of the adrenal gland is recommended when an abnormal ultrasonographic appearance of adrenal gland is identified, even in an asymptomatic dog.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27297418/