Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Risk factors for pituitary macrotumor in dogs with Cushing's disease
By Yoshida, Kei et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2025·Dolphin Animal Hospital Urawa Misono Clinic, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Risk Factors for Pituitary Macrotumor in Dogs With Hypercortisolism.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 130 dogs diagnosed with hypercortisolism (Cushing's disease) was studied to find out which factors might indicate the presence of a pituitary macrotumor, a type of tumor affecting the pituitary gland. The research found that younger dogs (10.9 years or younger), French Bulldogs, and dogs showing neurological signs were at a higher risk for having this tumor. If your dog has hypercortisolism and falls into these categories, your veterinarian may suggest advanced imaging to check for a pituitary macrotumor. Identifying these risk factors can help ensure your dog receives the appropriate care.
People also search for: Cushing's disease in dogs · French Bulldog pituitary tumor · dog neurological signs treatment
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diagnosing pituitary macrotumor in dogs with hypercortisolism requires advanced imaging, which is not feasible for every case. Identifying risk factors that can guide the decision to pursue imaging would be valuable. OBJECTIVE: Determine clinical and physical examination findings that are associated with an increased likelihood of pituitary macrotumors in dogs with hypercortisolism. ANIMALS: A total of 130 dogs diagnosed with hypercortisolism. METHODS: Retrospective study to analyze medical records for data on age, sex, breed, clinical signs, physical findings, endocrine test results, imaging results, diagnosis, and treatment. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for pituitary macrotumor, defined by a pituitary height/brain area ratio ≥ 0.4. RESULTS: Risk factors for pituitary macrotumor included diagnosis of hypercortisolism at ≤ 10.9 years of age (odds ratio [OR], 0.718; p < 0.05), French Bulldog breed (OR, 21.0; p < 0.01), and presence of neurologic signs (OR, 10.9; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Advanced pituitary imaging should be recommended in dogs with hypercortisolism ≤ 10.9 years of age, French Bulldogs, and those presenting with neurological signs because these factors significantly increase the likelihood of pituitary macrotumor in dogs with hypercortisolism.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41014092/