Endocrinology

Endocrinology is the field of medicine that deals with disorders of metabolism and hormones. Hormones are messenger substances that are produced in the ovaries or testicles and by the endocrine glands, such as the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, pancreas, and adrenal glands, and released into the blood. Hormones transmit information and thus control all important bodily functions.

INHALT
Diseases Investigation methods
Diseases

Endocrine disorders can result from reduced or increased hormone production, hormone transport disorders, or hormone resistance in the organs.

Endocrine disorders that frequently occur in dogs and cats include:

  • Hyperthyroidism in cats (see corresponding article)
  • Hypothyroidism in dogs (see corresponding article)
  • Diabetes mellitus (= diabetes, see corresponding articles for dogs and cats)
  • Hyperadrenocorticism (= Cushing's disease)
  • Adrenal insufficiency in dogs (Addison's disease, see corresponding article)
  • Underactive or overactive parathyroid gland (=hypo-/hyperparathyroidism)

Two significant endocrine disorders in horses are:

  • Equine Cushing's syndrome (see corresponding article)
  • Equine metabolic syndrome (see corresponding article)

Investigation methods

In order to diagnose endocrine disorders, laboratory tests of blood and urine are carried out in addition to a thorough veterinary examination. Imaging diagnostics (see corresponding article) are also frequently used to make a correct diagnosis.