Endocrinology

Specialized Care for Special Pets

Endocrinology

Specialized Care for Special Pets

Every body, human and animal alike, has an endocrine system which consists of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate the body. Endocrine diseases such as diabetes, hypo and hyperthyroidism, and Cushing’s disease, stem from imbalances in hormone levels.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance are:

Skin problems, such as hair loss or recurrent infections
Increased drinking and urinating
Weight loss or weight gain

Weakness and lethargy
Excessive panting
Increased appetite
Decreased appetite

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance are:

Skin problems, such as hair loss or recurrent infections
Increased drinking and urinating
Weight loss or weight gain
Weakness and lethargy
Excessive panting
Increased appetite
Decreased appetite

Hormone imbalances can affect your pet’s health in many ways. Although some endocrine disorders are not life threatening, many are fatal if not diagnosed and treated. Endocrine diseases develop when the body produces too much hormone (hyper- diseases) or too little hormone (hypo-diseases). The imbalance may be the result of a faulty endocrine gland or it can be caused by a tumor or other abnormal tissue that disrupts the normal production of hormones.

Most endocrine disorders are chronic diseases that need life-long care. This requires a team approach between our veterinary staff and pet owners. Training to give daily insulin injections or oral hormone replacement medicine is part of our commitment to you and our patient.