Pet Endocrinology

What Is Pet Endocrinology?

In animals, just like in humans, the endocrine system is vital for everyday life. This system consists of different tissues, including endocrine glands like the thyroid, pituitary, pineal, and adrenal glands, organs like the pancreas, hypothalamus, ovaries, and testes, and other endocrine-related tissues. Together, these body parts produce and release hormones that help maintain a wide range of important bodily functions. The system is designed to assist the body by carrying messages within the blood, telling different areas what to do and when it needs to be done.

Some of the ways these hormones can impact a pet’s body include:

• Metabolism and energy
• Growth and development
• Homeostasis
• Reproduction
• Sexual function
• Mood
• Stress response

In a healthy pet, the endocrine system regulates its hormones properly, maintaining balance throughout the body. However, even a small change in hormone production can alter their behavior and be a cause for concern. That’s why the veterinary team at Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital monitors this critical system and creates comprehensive treatment plans if we find anything wrong.

Endocrine Conditions We Treat

Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital is dedicated to helping pets and their owners deal with any problems we find within the endocrine system. Through our trusted veterinary services, our patients can get help with many chronic endocrine conditions, including:

Addison’s Disease

Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, Addison’s Disease is a condition that is most common in dogs and is characterized by a pet’s adrenal glands failing to produce enough hormones. This can impact their metabolism, stress responses, and electrolyte balance, resulting in sluggishness, weakness, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your pet is diagnosed with Addison’s Disease through lab testing, our teams will work hard to monitor and manage it, typically through hormone replacement therapy.

Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s Disease occurs when the adrenal glands overproduce the hormone cortisol. This disease is prevalent in dogs but can also occur in cats. Because cortisol is a stress hormone, unregulated levels can greatly affect an animal’s behavior. We can perform blood testing to diagnose the disease and use medications to help adjust these hormone levels.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that affects pets much like it does humans. It is characterized by a deficiency of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, which makes it difficult for pets to regulate their blood sugar levels. Our veterinarians can monitor and help manage this common condition, allowing pets to live long, healthy lives. We’ll recommend nutrition changes, exercises, and care options that can help them maintain their quality of life. We’ll also prescribe blood glucose curves, spot blood glucose checks, and show pet parents how to deliver insulin injections, so they feel confident in their abilities before heading home.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the pet’s thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone than it should. Some issues that come with this condition include:

• Weight loss
• Hyperactivity
• Increased appetite
• Digestive problems
• Heart problems

It is most common in cats, and, while it may require medications, dietary changes, or, in some cases, surgery, most pets will be able to lead normal lives.

Hypothyroidism

Alternatively, if the thyroid isn’t producing enough thyroid hormone, your pet may suffer from hypothyroidism. This condition causes the opposite effects, resulting in weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin issues. It is more common in dogs and typically affects older animals. The veterinarian may recommend supplements and will likely continue to monitor the condition over time.

What to Expect from Your Veterinarian

When you visit Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital, you can feel confident in our services, as we strive to provide a welcoming environment and treat your pet as if it were one of our own. Our specialized care services, innovative tools and technologies, and expertise can help recognize, test for, and treat a wide range of endocrine-related conditions.

We also have luxury surgical suites available if procedures need to be performed. If your pet has to stay overnight for monitoring, you can call at any time for an update.

Make an Appointment in Westwood and Pompton Lakes, NJ

Whether your pet is displaying unusual behavior or you just want to make sure they’re in good health, trust the team at Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital. Our advanced equipment and extensive knowledge help us identify and treat pet endocrinology issues. We are even well-versed in small animal endocrinology, allowing us to help more than just dogs and cats.

Located in Westwood and Pompton Lakes, NJ, we serve pet owners throughout the Tri-State area. Contact us today if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.