Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Urine hormone levels in dogs with Cushing's and adrenal tumors
By Quante, S et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2010·Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Urinary catecholamine and metanephrine to creatinine ratios in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism or pheochromocytoma, and in healthy dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old Beagle was diagnosed with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), a condition that can cause increased thirst and urination, along with a pot-bellied appearance. During testing, the dog's urine showed high levels of certain substances called catecholamines and normetanephrine, which are important for diagnosing another condition called pheochromocytoma (PHEO). The results indicated that while both HAC and PHEO can show elevated levels, a very high level of normetanephrine is a strong indicator of PHEO. The dog was monitored and treated for HAC, and the findings helped guide the veterinarian in managing the condition effectively.
People also search for: dog hyperadrenocorticism symptoms · Beagle high urine catecholamines · pheochromocytoma diagnosis in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Urinary catecholamines and metanephrines are used for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma (PHEO) in dogs. Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) is an important differential diagnosis for PHEO. OBJECTIVES: To measure urinary catecholamines and metanephrines in dogs with HAC. ANIMALS: Fourteen dogs with HAC, 7 dogs with PHEO, and 10 healthy dogs. METHODS: Prospective clinical trial. Urine was collected during initial work-up in the hospital; in dogs with HAC an additional sample was taken at home 1 week after discharge. Parameters were measured using high-pressure liquid chromatography and expressed as ratios to urinary creatinine concentration. RESULTS: Dogs with HAC had significantly higher urinary epinephrine, norepinephrine and normetanephrine to creatinine ratios than healthy dogs. Urinary epinephrine, norepinephrine, and metanephrine to creatinine ratios did not differ between dogs with HAC and dogs with PHEO, whereas the urinary normetanephrine to creatinine ratio was significantly higher (P= .011) in dogs with PHEO (414, 157.0-925.0, median, range versus (117.5, 53.0-323.0). Using a cut-off ratio of 4 times the highest normetanephrine to creatinine ratio measured in controls, there was no overlap between dogs with HAC and dogs with PHEO. The variables determined in urine samples collected at home did not differ from those collected in the hospital. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Dogs with HAC might have increased concentrations of urinary catecholamines and normetanephrine. A high concentration of urinary normetanephrine (4 times normal), is highly suggestive of PHEO.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20707840/