Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasound findings of adrenal glands in dogs with adrenal tumors
By Hoerauf, A & Reusch, C·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·1999·Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ultrasonographic characteristics of both adrenal glands in 15 dogs with functional adrenocortical tumors.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 15 dogs with functional adrenal tumors were examined using ultrasound to check the size and shape of their adrenal glands. Most dogs had one tumor, but three had tumors on both glands. The ultrasound showed that the affected adrenal glands were larger and had an abnormal shape, while the other gland often looked normal. This study suggests that both adrenal glands should be checked in dogs suspected of having adrenal issues, as one normal gland doesn't rule out a tumor on the other side.
People also search for: dog adrenal tumor symptoms · ultrasound for dog adrenal glands · hyperadrenocorticism in dogs
Abstract
Ultrasonographic examination of both adrenal glands was performed in 15 dogs with functional adrenocortical tumors (FAT). Bilateral adrenal tumors were diagnosed in three of 15 dogs, and unilateral tumors were diagnosed in 12 of 15 dogs. Adrenal tumors were characterized by adrenal gland enlargement with loss of the normal shape and parenchymal structure. The contralateral adrenal gland could be imaged in all dogs with unilateral tumors. Based on size, shape, and parenchymal structure, the contralateral adrenal gland was similar to adrenal glands of normal dogs. The results of this study show that: 1) both adrenal glands should be imaged routinely in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism; 2) bilateral adrenocortical tumors seem to be more frequent than previously assumed; 3) one normal adrenal gland does not exclude the existence of a contralateral FAT; and 4) the functional atrophy of the contralateral adrenal gland in dogs with FAT may not be apparent ultrasonographically.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10333256/