🩺 Endocrine Disorders in Pets: Diabetes, Thyroid, and Cushing’s Disease
Internal Medicine: Diagnosis & Treatment of Affected Systems & Common Diseases
Southern Ocean Animal Hospital – 319 E Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
The endocrine system regulates hormones that control metabolism, growth, energy, and stress response. When hormone balance is disrupted, pets may develop diabetes, thyroid disease, or Cushing’s disease—three of the most common endocrine disorders in dogs and cats. Symptoms often include weight changes, thirst, urination problems, lethargy, or hair/skin changes.
Diagnosis requires bloodwork, urinalysis, hormone testing, and imaging. Treatments include daily medications, specialized diets, or surgery, depending on the condition. With proper management, most pets live long, happy lives. At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, and his team use advanced labs, imaging, and experience to deliver accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.
ELI5 (Explain Like I’m 5)
Your pet’s body has tiny “message senders” called hormones. These hormones tell the body how to use food for energy, when to grow, and how to handle stress.
- If the body doesn’t make or use insulin well → Diabetes.
- If the thyroid makes too little hormone → Dogs get sluggish and gain weight.
- If the thyroid makes too much hormone → Cats lose weight but eat a lot.
- If the body makes too much stress hormone (cortisol) → Cushing’s disease, pets get potbellies, thirsty, and lose hair.
Vets test blood and urine, then give medicine, diet changes, or sometimes surgery to fix the problem.
Why the Endocrine System Matters
The endocrine system includes glands like the pancreas, thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands. These produce hormones that regulate:
- Metabolism – how food is converted into energy.
- Growth & Development – hormones drive normal growth and organ function.
- Energy levels – maintaining activity and preventing fatigue.
- Stress response – cortisol and adrenaline help the body respond to challenges.
When these glands malfunction, hormone imbalances disrupt health. Pets may develop sudden or chronic symptoms that require advanced diagnostics and careful treatment.
Common Endocrine Disorders
1. Diabetes Mellitus
What it is:
Diabetes occurs when the body cannot regulate blood sugar due to lack of insulin (Type I) or resistance to insulin (Type II).
Most common in:
- Dogs: Type I (insulin-dependent).
- Cats: Type II (insulin resistance).
Symptoms:
- Increased thirst (polydipsia).
- Frequent urination (polyuria).
- Weight loss despite eating well.
- Cloudy eyes (dogs may develop cataracts).
- Lethargy.
Diagnosis:
- Blood glucose testing.
- Urinalysis (glucose and ketones).
- Fructosamine test (long-term glucose monitoring).
Treatment:
- Daily insulin injections (dogs and some cats).
- Oral medications (cats with insulin resistance).
- Special low-carbohydrate or high-fiber diets.
- Weight management and regular exercise.
2. Thyroid Disorders
Hypothyroidism (Dogs)
What it is: Underactive thyroid gland produces too little hormone.
Symptoms:
- Weight gain without increased appetite.
- Lethargy and cold intolerance.
- Hair loss, dry coat, or skin infections.
- Slow heart rate.
Diagnosis:
- Blood tests (T4, free T4, TSH).
Treatment: - Daily thyroid hormone replacement medication.
Hyperthyroidism (Cats)
What it is: Overactive thyroid gland produces excess hormone.
Symptoms:
- Weight loss despite increased appetite.
- Hyperactivity or restlessness.
- Vomiting, diarrhea.
- Rapid heartbeat, heart disease.
Diagnosis:
- Blood tests (elevated T4).
Treatment: - Oral medication (methimazole).
- Radioactive iodine therapy (I-131).
- Surgery to remove thyroid gland.
- Prescription diets (iodine-restricted).
3. Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
What it is: Excess cortisol production, usually caused by a pituitary or adrenal tumor.
Most common in: Middle-aged to older dogs.
Symptoms:
- Excessive thirst and urination.
- Increased appetite.
- Potbelly appearance.
- Hair loss and thinning skin.
- Muscle weakness and panting.
Diagnosis:
- ACTH stimulation test.
- Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST).
- Abdominal ultrasound or CT scans.
Treatment:
- Oral medications (trilostane or mitotane).
- Surgery for adrenal tumors.
- Lifelong monitoring with hormone testing.
Techniques of an Experienced Veterinarian
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Pascetta uses:
- Comprehensive exams to identify subtle signs.
- In-house labs for same-day blood and urine tests.
- Advanced imaging (ultrasound, radiology) to evaluate glands and organs.
- Tailored treatment plans based on lifestyle and owner ability.
- Regular monitoring to adjust medications and prevent complications.
Example Case
Case: Max the Golden Retriever
Max developed a potbelly and constant thirst. Dr. Pascetta performed bloodwork and an ACTH stimulation test, confirming Cushing’s disease. With trilostane medication and close monitoring, Max’s symptoms improved, his energy returned, and his quality of life stabilized.
Timeline
- Day 1: Initial exam, blood and urine tests.
- Week 1–2: Diagnosis confirmed, treatment plan started.
- Month 1: Follow-up testing to evaluate response.
- Ongoing: Lifelong management with regular rechecks.
What-If Situations
- What if my pet skips insulin? → High blood sugar crisis (diabetic ketoacidosis) may occur. Call vet immediately.
- What if thyroid medication dose is wrong? → Symptoms persist or new ones appear; requires dose adjustment.
- What if Cushing’s disease is untreated? → Severe complications: diabetes, infections, muscle wasting, reduced lifespan.
Most Common Issues at a Glance
- Dogs: Hypothyroidism, Diabetes (Type I), Cushing’s disease.
- Cats: Hyperthyroidism, Diabetes (Type II).
- Other pets: Less common but possible in ferrets, rabbits, or exotic animals.
Generational Relevance for Pet Owners
- Baby Boomers/Gen X: Focus on keeping senior pets comfortable with long-term disease management.
- Millennials: Prioritize preventative testing and holistic lifestyle adjustments.
- Gen Z: Value transparency and real-time monitoring with digital tools (apps for insulin, reminders).
Service Area
Southern Ocean Animal Hospital proudly serves pets from:
- Ocean County towns: Tuckerton, Little Egg Harbor, Manahawkin, Barnegat, Waretown, Stafford Township.
- Long Beach Island (LBI): Beach Haven, Ship Bottom, Surf City, Long Beach Township.
- Extended areas: Forked River, Bayville, Toms River, Brick, Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights.
- Atlantic County: Galloway, Absecon, Brigantine, Atlantic City.
- Burlington County: Bass River, New Gretna.
Many families travel over an hour because of the hospital’s reputation as one of the top veterinary hospitals in the Jersey Shore region.
Give Us a Call
If your pet is showing weight changes, thirst, hair loss, or unusual behavior, it could be an endocrine disorder. These conditions don’t resolve on their own—but with proper diagnosis and treatment, pets can thrive.
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, provides advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and long-term management for pets with endocrine disease.
📞 Call today to schedule an appointment and protect your pet’s health and quality of life.