Just like humans, pets can suffer from hormonal disorders that affect everything from appetite to energy levels. These conditions – known as endocrine disorders – often require lifelong management. At BluePearl Glendale, our internal medicine specialists help diagnose and treat these conditions with expert care.
Common endocrine diseases in dogs and cats.
Some of the most frequently diagnosed hormonal disorders include:
- Diabetes mellitus: More common in dogs and overweight cats; causes excessive thirst, urination, and weight loss
- Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism): Often causes a pot-bellied appearance, hair loss, and increased appetite
- Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism): May lead to vomiting, weakness, collapse, and life-threatening electrolyte imbalance
- Hyperthyroidism: Common in older cats; causes weight loss despite a healthy appetite
- Hypothyroidism: More common in dogs; may cause weight gain, lethargy, and coat changes
Symptoms to watch for.
Signs of endocrine disease can be vague. Contact your veterinarian if your pet has:
- Sudden changes in weight
- Increased drinking and urination
- Hair loss or thinning coat
- Decreased energy or collapse
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced appetite
How internal medicine helps.
Internists are experts in managing long-term hormonal disorders. At BluePearl Glendale, we offer:
- Advanced bloodwork and diagnostic testing
- Imaging for adrenal or thyroid evaluation
- Monitoring plans for insulin or hormone therapy
- Supportive care for crises or complications
- Coordination with your primary care vet
These conditions can’t always be cured – but with the right support, pets can live long and happy lives.
Managing endocrine disorders in pets at BluePearl Glendale — FAQ.
Endocrine disorders are hormonal conditions that can significantly impact a pet's health, requiring lifelong management. At BluePearl Glendale, our internal medicine specialists frequently diagnose and treat several common endocrine diseases. Diabetes mellitus is prevalent in dogs and overweight cats, characterized by excessive thirst, urination, and weight loss. Cushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, often results in a pot-bellied appearance, hair loss, and increased appetite. Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, may lead to vomiting, weakness, collapse, and life-threatening electrolyte imbalances. Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats, causing weight loss despite a healthy appetite, while hypothyroidism is more common in dogs, leading to weight gain, lethargy, and coat changes.
Symptoms of endocrine disease can be subtle and vague, making it essential for pet owners to be observant. If your pet experiences sudden changes in weight, increased drinking and urination, hair loss or thinning coat, decreased energy or collapse, or gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced appetite, it is important to contact your veterinarian. These signs may indicate an underlying hormonal disorder that requires professional evaluation and management.
Internal medicine specialists at BluePearl Glendale are experts in managing long-term hormonal disorders in pets. We offer advanced bloodwork and diagnostic testing to accurately identify endocrine conditions. Imaging techniques are used for adrenal or thyroid evaluation, providing detailed insights into your pet's health. Our team develops monitoring plans for insulin or hormone therapy to ensure effective management of the disorder. We also provide supportive care for crises or complications that may arise, coordinating closely with your primary care veterinarian to ensure comprehensive care. While endocrine conditions cannot always be cured, with the right support and management, pets can lead long and happy lives despite their diagnosis.
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