Tumors on the Adrenal Gland in Dogs
Like their human companions, dogs are susceptible to many forms of cancer. Because the adrenal gland is responsible for regulating many different systems within animals, tumors there can become a serious type of cancer. Luckily, several treatment options are available.
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Types
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The adrenal gland is important to how the body of the dog is regulated, and a tumor on it can have severe health effects on the animal. Benign tumors are not cancerous, while malignant types are.
Indications
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Adrenal tumors are often first indicated by problems such as rapid heartbeat and blood pressure. Veterinary professionals typically confirm the presence of a tumor using ultrasound or other imaging methods.
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Outlook
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In cases in which adrenal tumors are benign and not spreading, surgery can be used to remove the tumor, and it is often successful. Malignant tumors pose a higher risk, and the chances of recovery are not guaranteed, though surgery can still be attempted.
Treatment
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In cases of malignant adrenal tumors, medical treatment is a common alternative to surgery. Chemotherapy can help reduce the size of the tumor and extend the life of the animal.
Surgery
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Surgery is an option for removing malignant adrenal tumors, but it comes with a very high risk. Bleeding and internal damage during removal are major concerns. Consequently, surgical removal is often attempted only if medical treatment has failed.
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