Endocrinology is the study of hormones and how they control the different body systems. A number of glands, the endocrine glands, situated in various parts of the body, produce hormones which are spread by the bloodstream throughout the body.  They instruct the organ or body system they control to perform a specific function.  All the glands are controlled by the hormones produced by the pituitary gland which is situated at the base of the brain.  The amount of hormones present in the blood is continually monitered by the body and adjusted to meet the animals needs at any given time.  Unfortunately sometimes hormone balance goes wrong and when that occurs disease results. Here we review common hormone imbalances of our pets.

 Thyroid disease (under active thyroid, hypothyroidism)

Cushings Disease (hyperadrenocorticism)

Addison's Disease (hypoadrenocorticism)

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Insipidus

Gestational Diabetes

Glycogen Storage Disease

Pituitary Dwarfism (Hypopituitarism)

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (E.P.I.)

Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium)

Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium)

Lysosomal Storage Diseases

Lymphangiectasia (protein losing enteropathy)

Malabsorption Syndrome

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII

Pancreatitis



The Endocrine Glands and the Hormones They Produce

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