Endocrine Disorders in Adrenocortical Function in Companion Animals

A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Internal Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2025) | Viewed by 1346

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Clinical Sciences & Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
Interests: endocrinology; diabetes mellitus; Cushing’s syndrome; hypoadrenocorticism

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will explore current research on the pathophysiological principles of the more common endocrine disorders of the adrenal gland in companion animals. The disorders addressed will include Cushing’s syndrome in dogs and cats, dysregulated increases in adrenocortical function in horses and ferrets, hypoadrenocorticism, hyperaldosteronism and functional neoplasia of the adrenal medulla.

The pathophysiological perturbations characterizing each disorder will underpin discussions regarding the range of clinical phenotypes likely to be encountered. They will also form the basis of how best to apply a logical approach, employing analytical reasoning to enhance the clinical detection of such disorders.

Additionally, optimizing diagnostic precision will be discussed for each disorder, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of various management strategies. These discussions will be contextualized with regard to what is presently available, as well as some of the more aspirational or experimental options likely to materialize over the next five years.

These articles will provide not only insightful summaries of our current understanding of these disorders, but also valuable information from experienced clinical researchers concerning how these can be optimally applied in real-life clinical settings.

Prof. Dr. David Church
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • adrenocortical
  • Cushing’s syndrome
  • Addison’s disease
  • pheochromocytoma
  • hyperaldosteronism
  • pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction
  • PPID
  • endocrinopathies

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

10 pages, 3108 KiB  
Article
Prospective Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Adrenal Glands in a Population of Beagle Puppies and Functional Analysis of Basal Cortisol Levels in Blood
by Julia Topmöller, Kristina Merhof, Eva Packeiser, Marion Schmicke, Holger Andreas Volk and Johanna Rieder
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(5), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12050472 - 14 May 2025
Viewed by 273
Abstract
This study presents a prospective evaluation of adrenal gland development in a cohort of Beagle puppies, utilizing sonographic imaging and functional assessment of the basal serum cortisol concentrations. The objective was to characterize the growth patterns and physiological maturation of the adrenal glands [...] Read more.
This study presents a prospective evaluation of adrenal gland development in a cohort of Beagle puppies, utilizing sonographic imaging and functional assessment of the basal serum cortisol concentrations. The objective was to characterize the growth patterns and physiological maturation of the adrenal glands in dogs between six and twelve months of age. Ten Beagle puppies from two litters, bred and maintained under standardized conditions at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Hannover, were included in the study. Serum cortisol levels were determined, and adrenal gland dimensions were measured using ultrasonography at regular intervals over a six-month observation period. The results demonstrated a significant growth trajectory of the adrenal glands, characterized by notable increases in both the longitudinal length and caudal pole diameter. No significant correlation was found between serum cortisol levels and adrenal gland size, indicating that the cortisol data primarily served to confirm the physiological function of the adrenal glands rather than to influence their size. The adrenal gland sizes mostly resembled those of adult animals; however, significant growth was observed between 6 and 12 months. In conclusion, the presence of small adrenal glands in young dogs with clinical suspicion should prompt further diagnostic testing or, at least, regular follow-up evaluations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrine Disorders in Adrenocortical Function in Companion Animals)
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