Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy in beagle dogs: evaluation of a microsurgical technique

Assessment of a microsurgical technique for transsphenoidal hypophysectomy in dogs.

Prospective study using physical examination, pituitary function testing, computed tomography (CT), and histological examination at autopsy.

Eight laboratory beagle dogs.

Pituitary function was assessed before and at 10 weeks after hypophysectomy by combined administration of four releasing hormones (anterior pituitary), administration of haloperidol (pars intermedia), and infusion of hypertonic saline (posterior pituitary).

CT imaging enabled accurate preoperative localization of the pituitary. Appropriate positioning and surgical technique facilitated exposure of the pituitary and its extraction without hemorrhage. Postoperative recovery was generally uncomplicated. None of the eight dogs had somatotropic, gonadotropic, lactotropic, melanotropic, or posterior pituitary responses to stimulation at 10 weeks after hypophysectomy. Four dogs (ACTH nonresponders) also had no corticotropic response and four (ACTH responders) had small but significant responses in the combined anterior pituitary function test. Adrenocortical atrophy was more pronounced in the ACTH nonresponders than in the responders. No residual pituitary tissue was found along the ventral hypothalamic diencephalon but nests of pituitary cells were found embedded in fibrous tissue in the sella turcica.

The surgical technique proved to be safe and effective. Microscopic nests of pituitary cells in the sella turcica may be responsible for residual corticotropic response to hypophysiotropic stimulation after hypophysectomy.

The surgical technique may be used in the treatment of dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. The corticotropic response is the most sensitive criterion in assessing completeness of hypophysectomy in dogs.