The signs of pituitary tumors and disease in dogs

Most pituitary diseases are uncommon in dogs and can be difficult to detect and accurately diagnose. Symptoms can be vague, so dog owners need to be able to detect subtle changes in their pet’s health and know when to seek help. If you have a dog, read on to learn:

• What is canine pituitary disease?
• What are the signs of pituitary disease in dogs?
• How are pituitary conditions diagnosed and treated?

Benign tumors are the most common pituitary disorder. The pituitary gland secretes several essential hormones that regulate multiple bodily functions. Clinical signs can vary and be non-specific, mimicking other diseases, including endocrine disorders in the thyroid or adrenal glands.

The canine pituitary gland is a small endocrine gland located near the center of the brain. It produces multiple critical hormones, and these hormones regulate various bodily functions, such as:

• Growth
• Energy management
• Metabolism
• Hydration and electrolyte balance
• Sexual reproduction
• Pain relief
• Temperature regulation

The pituitary gland is sometimes known as the “master gland” because it produces hormones that affect nearly every body system. In addition to making and secreting hormones that directly regulate various bodily functions, the pituitary gland also signals other endocrine glands to produce other hormones. Endocrine hormones must remain balanced at the right levels to work properly. Most pituitary disorders are uncommon in dogs. A malfunctioning pituitary gland may not produce enough of or may produce too much of a hormone. Examples of pituitary conditions include:

• Cushing’s syndrome
• Addison’s disease
• Diabetes insipidus (not sugar diabetes)
• Pituitary dwarfism
• Panhypopituitarism

Cushing’s syndrome is the most common type of pituitary disorder in dogs, and it is most commonly caused by a pituitary tumor. Cushing’s disease occurs when the pituitary gland doesn’t properly regulate cortisol production, resulting in consistently elevated cortisol levels.

There are a variety of reasons why the pituitary gland may not work properly, including:

• A tumor
• Genetics
• Side effect of steroid medications

Benign pituitary adenoma tumors are the most common cause of pituitary diseases in dogs. Other underlying causes are rare. Some pituitary conditions are idiopathic, meaning there is no identifiable underlying cause of the disorder.

Symptoms of pituitary conditions in dogs vary depending on which pituitary hormone is affected. Clinical signs of pituitary disorders in dogs include:

• Increased thirst
• Excessive urination
• Hair loss
• Lethargy or weakness
• Skin changes
• Excessive panting
• Pot-belly appearance
• Changes in weight
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Stunted growth

Increased thirst, frequent need to urinate, coat or skin changes, and unexplained weight changes occur with several different pituitary diseases. Other signs are disease-specific, and some conditions, such as Addison’s disease, show few to no symptoms until an Addisonian crisis occurs. Inherited pituitary dwarfism and inherited panhypopituitarism are very rare in dogs, and puppies with this condition show signs of stunted growth from the time they’re born.

It’s important to talk to a veterinarian any time you notice physical or behavioral changes in your dog because many of these symptoms can be vague and intermittent. These symptoms can also occur with other diseases, such as in the thyroid or adrenal glands, so an accurate diagnosis is needed.

The diagnosis of pituitary tumors and diseases can be difficult due to their vague, intermittent symptoms. When diagnosing a dog showing symptoms of pituitary disease, veterinarians usually start with a physical exam and diagnostic testing, such as:

• Blood work
• Urine tests
• Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasounds
• Hormone stimulation tests

These tests may show the symptoms are due to a disease not related to the pituitary gland, but if the tests aren’t conclusive, additional testing is necessary. Pituitary conditions do not show up on routine blood tests and require specialized testing. This testing isn’t usually recommended right away because it adds expense and usually has to be sent out to a lab independent of your vet’s clinic, which also means results aren’t immediately available . A definitive diagnosis of the type of pituitary condition a dog has is needed to provide proper treatment.

Are pituitary cancer and other diseases common in dogs?

Endocrine disorders from pituitary malfunction are uncommon in dogs. Cushing’s syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism), caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary gland, is the most common, affecting approximately one or two out of one thousand dogs a year. Malignant pituitary tumors in dogs are very rare.

The treatment of pituitary conditions in dogs varies depending on what condition a dog has. Different pituitary diseases require different treatment. Treatment options may include:

• Oral medication
• Periodic injections
• Surgical removal of pituitary tumors
• Chemotherapy and radiation

“A dog’s quality of life is an important factor when determining treatment for pituitary disease,” explains Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. “Some conditions are easily managed with medications, while others are more complex.” Surgery, chemo, and radiation therapy are rarely used because cancerous pituitary tumors are so rare. In addition, these treatment options may do more harm than good and risk a dog’s overall quality of life.

Talk to a veterinarian whenever you notice changes in your dog’s physical condition or behavior. Symptoms such as excessive thirst and urination, hair and skin changes, and weight changes are common in many endocrine disorders. Not all endocrine conditions are caused by a malfunctioning pituitary gland. Other endocrine glands, such as the pancreas, thyroid, or adrenal glands, may be affected instead. The only way to determine if a dog has an endocrine disease and what kind they have is to talk to a vet and get diagnostic testing. If you are concerned about your dog’s symptoms, you can talk to an online vet for advice and to learn more about pituitary conditions and other endocrine disorders.

What are the symptoms of a malfunctioning pituitary gland in dogs?

Clinical signs of pituitary disorders often include increased thirst, excessive urination, changes to the skin and coat, and unexplained weight changes. Depending on the condition, dogs may also pant excessively, develop a pot-bellied appearance, become lethargic, or intermittently vomit or have diarrhea.

How do you treat pituitary Cushing’s disease in dogs?

Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease is treated with oral medications to reduce excessive cortisol levels. Most dogs with pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease can live normal lives if their condition is well-maintained.

How long can a dog live with a pituitary tumor?

Tumors on a dog’s pituitary gland are usually non-cancerous canine pituitary adenomas, which can be well-managed with medication and close monitoring. Depending on the condition, a dog can live a normal life with a pituitary gland tumor.