Pituitary Cancer in Dogs
Like all cancers, tumors affecting the pituitary gland can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Canine pituitary cancer can actually cause neurological disorders, such as Cushing's disease. Fortunately, most types of pituitary tumors are benign.
-
Location
-
The pituitary gland is located under the forebrain. It is connected with a stalk-like structure to the hypothalamus portion of the brain.
Types
-
In dogs, large pituitary tumors are often referred to as macrotumors or macroadenomas. Other names for canine pituitary cancer include pituitary adenoma, adenocarcinoma, adenomas, microtumors or suprasellar germ cell tumors.
-
Symptoms
-
Dogs with a pituitary tumor may suffer from listlessness, walking in circles, seizures, poor appetite, difficulty seeing, excessive drinking or urination, low blood sugar, slowed body function and a loss of sexual performance or sexual libido.
Diagnosis
-
Because of the location of the pituitary gland, a CT scan or an magnetic resonance imaging exam will be necessary to diagnose a pituitary tumor.
Treatment
-
Treatment will vary from dog to dog because of differentiations of breeds. Some dogs may be able to undergo surgical removal of the tumor, while others may not. Radiation therapy is another option for inaccessible pituitary tumors.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Grace
