Hormonal Diseases in Dogs
Hair loss, skin rashes and change in behavior are just a few signs that your dog may be suffering with a hormonal disease. Although these signs do not seem severe, these hormonal problems are serious and should be treated immediately. If these symptoms are not treated your dog could become extremely ill and even die.
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Causes
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Hormonal diseases are generally either an excess (hyper) or deficiency (hypo) of estrogen or steroids. These diseases can stem from a variety of problems, including tumors on or issues with your dog's thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands as well as its testicles if a male or ovaries if a female.
Cushing's Disease
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Cortisone excess, or Cushing's Disease, is when a dog has excess steroids in its body. Steroids can increase when there is a tumor on the pituitary or adrenal glands. The pituitary gland is found at the base of the brain, and the adrenal gland is found above the kidney. Although pituitary gland tumors cannot spread, adrenal gland tumors can and should be taken care of immediately. This problem can happen with any dog, but it is most common in older dogs. Symptoms include increased thirst, urination and appetite as well as obesity, laziness and skin changes. The most popular treatment for this disease is a medication called trilostane, a steroid enzyme stabilizer.
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Hypoestrogenism
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Hypoestrogenism is when a spayed female dog has an estrogen deficiency. Signs of this problem are scanty hair growth and a thinning coat over the vulva. The thinning hair can spread across the entire body. When the hair falls off, the skin is smooth and soft underneath. Hypoestrogenism is cured with hormone replacement therapy.
Hyperestrogenism in Females
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Hyperestrogenism, excess estrogen, can occur in both male and female dogs. In females this disease is caused by tumors or cysts on the ovaries. Symptoms include excess ear wax, darkening of the skin and an oily coat or skin. Female dogs often experience hair loss around the genitals as well as an enlarged vulva. The best treatment is medicated shampoo and spaying.
Hyperestrogenism in Males
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Male dogs that suffer with hyperestrogenism have this problem because they have a tumor on their testicles, or a sertoli cell tumor. Symptoms of this disease include growth of the mammary glands, milk production, lack of libido, attractiveness to other male dogs, excessive ear wax, skin change and an oily coat. The best treatment for this problem is to neuter or castrate your dog. Other treatments include injections of testosterone, medicated shampoos and ear cleanings.
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