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Pheochromocytoma in 50 dogs
S D Gilson1, S J Withrow, S L Wheeler
1Comparative Oncology Unit, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Pheochromocytoma in dogs is often an incidental finding. Presenting signs can affect the nervous or cardiopulmonary systems, or be nonspecific, with hypertension common in symptomatic cases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Canine Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal medulla, can cause significant clinical signs in dogs.
- Diagnosis and staging are crucial for effective management and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze clinical, diagnostic, and outcome data for dogs with pheochromocytoma.
- To identify common clinical presentations, diagnostic modalities, and prognostic factors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 50 dogs diagnosed with pheochromocytoma over a 9-year period.
- Analysis of clinical signs, physical examination findings, laboratory results, imaging studies (radiographs, angiography, ultrasonography), and postmortem data.
- Evaluation of tumor invasion and metastasis.
Main Results:
- Pheochromocytoma was an incidental finding in 48% of cases.
- Symptomatic dogs presented with nervous system (27%), cardiopulmonary (27%), or nonspecific (65%) signs.
- Hypertension was common (86% of evaluated dogs).
- Abdominal ultrasonography and caudal vena caval angiography were valuable for diagnosis.
- Local invasion (52%), regional metastasis (12%), and distant metastasis (24%) were observed.
- Tumor-related death occurred in 38% of dogs.
Conclusions:
- Pheochromocytoma in dogs frequently presents incidentally or with nonspecific signs.
- Hypertension is a key clinical finding.
- Advanced imaging is essential for staging.
- Tumor invasion and metastasis impact prognosis.