DISEASES
OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Anne Jones RN, BSNE
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The endocrine system comprises two glandular systems, the exocrine
and the endocrine glands. The exocrine glands have external
secretions, such as tears, sweat and digestive enzymes. The
endocrine system secretes hormones that are delivered to specific
parts of the body to aid in many body functions. A full discussion
of the endocrine system would take volumes. The endocrine system, in
other words, is a complex and vital part of the working of the body.
If the system breaks down in any way, it can result in ill health
that is life threatening.
We are primarily concerned with the diseases that occur with some
frequency in Bichons Frises.
There are four diseases that are found often enough in Bichons to
warrant the owner’s familiarity with these conditions. They are
pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease (or Cushing’s
Syndrome) and hypothyroidism. Most of these are diseases found in
the older animal but some are being diagnosed in very young Bichons.
It is also notable that once one of these conditions is diagnosed,
there appears to be a very good chance that another will eventually
develop. This is because of the working relationship of the
secretions of the endocrine glands.
The pancreas provides digestive enzymes and also makes insulin for
the metabolism of sugar. Pancreatitis can occur as a mild and/or
chronic condition or as an acute pancreatitis, which is immediately
life threatening. The dog is typically overweight, gets little
exercise and has a high fat diet, often including table food.
Ingestion of certain drugs or surgery can precipitate the condition
in a dog prone to this disease. Symptoms include vomiting, possibly
diarrhea, abdominal pain, and the appearance of being very sick,
which he is. Seizures may occur and this dog needs prompt medical
attention.
Diabetes mellitus occurs when the manufacture of insulin by the
pancreas is inadequate. Without insulin to utilize the sugar in the
body, excess sugar spills over into the blood and urine and the
kidneys increase activity. The owner may first note that the dog is
drinking and urinating with greater frequency and losing weight even
though the dog is eating well. Eventually ketones (acids) are formed
in the blood stream and a condition called ketoacidosis occurs. The
breath becomes sweet smelling with an acetone odor, the dog begins
to pant and may have labored breathing. The next event will be a
diabetic coma if the condition is not treated quickly. Again a
seizure may occur. Diabetic coma is an extreme emergency. Lifelong
treatment with insulin injections can control the diabetes and
frequent monitoring of the blood sugar will be a part of the
treatment plan.
Cushing’s syndrome has been found in Bichons as young as 6 years,
but is primarily a disease of older dogs. The symptoms are similar
to many other illnesses and specific diagnostic tests are needed to
determine presence of Cushing’s. The symptoms most often noted are
lethargy, panting, odd behaviors not previously noticed in the dog,
excessive thirst and frequent urination, obesity and especially an
enlarged abdomen, thinning hair coat and change in sleep habits.
There are many other signs and all of these are also signs of other
diseases. It is important that the proper blood tests be done to
insure correct diagnosis. Treatment involves potent drugs and
monitoring blood values is an essential part of the treatment to
avoid complications.
Hypothyroidism is an inadequate production of thyroid hormone or
destruction of the thyroid hormone by autoantibodies and affects the
body by slowing down metabolism. Lethargy, obesity, erratic heat
cycles in the female and thinning of the hair coat may be signs. The
dog seems not to be mentally as alert and there may be bald patches
in the coat along with a darkening of the skin. Symptoms develop
slowly and a blood test is required to make proper diagnosis. The
dog will require medication to supplement or replace hormone not
being produced. It is important to note these changes to the skin
and hair coat and to insure the dog is not misdiagnosed as having
allergies
You will by now realize that these diseases all share symptoms as
well as sharing a basis in an unhealthy endocrine system. All are
treatable but all can have life threatening effects if they are
neglected. Some veterinarians almost expect their older Bichon
clients to develop Cushing’s and it is possible that any dog with
any of these maladies will develop one or more of the other
problems.
Clearly the sooner diagnosed and treated, the better.
Of the four mentioned, reports of hypothyroidism come to the health
committee less often than the other three and it is quite likely
that the Bichon has allergies concurrent with the hypothyroid
condition, confusing both owner and veterinarian. Pancreatitis can
occur in a dog with a fairly healthy but overweight body and early
treatment may lead to no recurrence with proper diet and a change in
life style. The chronic form may necessitate special enzyme therapy.
Diabetes and Cushing’s are lifelong health issues and treatment will
continue as long as the dog lives. With both, the medications that
treat them have dangerous side effects if not administered properly.
Statistics would indicate that a very low percentage of Bichons have
any of these health issues but they show up often enough that some
veterinarians are on the lookout for any or all of them in older
Bichons. Owners of older Bichons would be advised to have semiannual
checkups and to be on the lookout for any indications of a change in
the behavior or vitality as a sign of declining health. With some
healthy Bichons living as long as eighteen and older, it is a shame
to lose one in mid-life to any disease.
Research for this article includes Merck Manual, Dog Owners
Veterinary Handbook and numerous medical and veterinary sources. It
has been
reviewed for accuracy by Joanne Baldwin DVM
Dogs, Diet, and Disease: An Owner's Guide to Diabetes Mellitus,
Pancreatitis,
Cushing's Disease, and More by Caroline D. Levin RN
http://www.petcarebooks.com/books/ddad.htm
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