What are the signs of hyperadrenocorticism?
Top Hyperadrenocorticism is an insidious and slowly progressive disease. Signs include numerous changes to the skin and body. A pet with hyperadrenocorticism may have only a few signs or numerous signs. The severity of signs varies, depending on the duration and degree of excessive cortisol in the body. Some animals are more sensitive to the effects of excessive cortisol than others; these animals may develop signs more quickly and may have more severe disease.
The signs of hyperadrenocorticism include numerous changes to the skin and body. A pet with hyperadrenocorticism may have only a few signs or numerous signs. The severity of signs varies, depending on the duration and degree of excessive cortisol in the body. Some animals are more sensitive to the effects of excessive cortisol than others; these animals may develop signs more quickly and may have more severe disease. The signs include: • Excessive urination (polyuria) • Excessive thirst (polydipsia) • Pot-bellied or bloated appearance (pendulous abdomen) • Hair loss • Thin, fragile skin • Blackheads or plugged skin ducts • Increased skin pigment • Calcium salt deposits in the skin causing hard nodules • Enlarged liver • Panting • Lethargy • Muscle weakness • Obesity • Muscle atrophy • Lack of estrous cycles in intact females • Testicular atrophy • Facial nerve paralysis • The presence of either adrenal gland or pituitary tumors may cause additional signs related to the tumor itself. Ho
Hyperadrenocorticism is an insidious and slowly progressive disease. Signs include numerous changes to the skin and body. A pet with hyperadrenocorticism may have only a few signs or numerous signs. The severity of signs varies, depending on the duration and degree of excessive cortisol in the body. Some animals are more sensitive to the effects of excessive cortisol than others; these animals may develop signs more quickly and may have more severe disease. The signs include: Excessive urination (polyuria) Excessive thirst (polydipsia) Increased appetite Pot-bellied or bloated appearance (pendulous abdomen) Hair loss (alopecia) – usually symmetrical Rough coat Thin, fragile skin Increased skin pigmentation Calcified lumps in the skin Enlarged liver Panting Lethargy Muscle weakness Muscle atrophy Lack of oestrous cycles in intact females Testicular atrophy Facial nerve paralysis The presence of either adrenal gland or pituitary tumours may cause additional signs related to the tumour it
