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Multiple endocrine diseases in dogs: 35 cases (1996-2009)
Shauna L Blois1, Erica Dickie, Stephen A Kruth
1Department of Clinical Studies and Ontario Veterinary College Teaching Hospital, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada. sblois@uoguelph.ca
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|June 16, 2011
Summary
Multiple endocrine disorders in dogs are uncommon. The most frequent combinations observed were diabetes mellitus with hyperadrenocorticism, and hypoadrenocorticism with hypothyroidism.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Internal Medicine
- Canine Endocrinology
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Endocrine disorders are common in dogs.
- Concurrent endocrine diseases can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
- Limited data exists on the prevalence and combinations of multiple endocrine disorders in canine populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize canine populations diagnosed with two or more endocrine disorders.
- To identify specific endocrine disorders and their combinations.
- To determine the time intervals between diagnoses of multiple endocrine disorders.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 35 dogs with multiple endocrine disorders.
- Review of medical records including clinical signs, physical examination, and diagnostic test results.
- Analysis of CBC, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, endocrine testing, imaging, and necropsy findings.
Main Results:
- Eighty percent of dogs had two endocrine disorders, while 20% had three.
- The most common pairings were diabetes mellitus and hyperadrenocorticism (57.1%), followed by hypoadrenocorticism and hypothyroidism (22.9%).
- Mean intervals between diagnoses were 14.5 months (first and second) and 31.1 months (first and third).
Conclusions:
- Multiple endocrine disorders are relatively uncommon in dogs.
- Diabetes mellitus and hyperadrenocorticism represent the most frequent co-occurrence.
- Hypoadrenocorticism and hypothyroidism are also a common combination in dogs with multiple endocrine diseases.
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