Endocrine (Hormonal) diseases
Hormones can be overproduced or underproduced, and normal mechanisms for hormone effect or removal may be impaired, leading to abnormal levels of hormones in the body. Symptoms of hormone excess or deficiency vary significantly according to the body system affected, so these diseases are not always readily diagnosed. In this section, we will briefly describe the most common endocrine disorders of dogs and how the PetPace system may help.
Not unlike people, diabetes mellitus is common in pets as well. In this disorder, the body fails to produce enough of the hormone insulin or respond appropriately to it. Females and older dogs have a higher risk of developing diabetes, as well as obese dogs.
Common symptoms include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, weight loss (despite the increased appetite), lethargy, dehydration, and cataracts. Untreated diabetes causes many long-term complications that may be severe and even fatal, such as seizures, liver disease, kidney disease, and more.
Breeds
Breeds that are predisposed to diabetes include Alaskan Malamute, Australian Terrier, Bichon Frise, Cairn Terrier, Keeshond, Labrador Retriever, Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Dachshund, Norwegian Elkhound, Poodle, Pug, Samoyed, Tibetan Terrier, and Yorkshire Terrier.
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system may help in the early detection of diseases and identifying complications:
- Decreased Wellness score
- Deviations from the Health Profile
- Decreased activity score
- Irregular pulse rate
- Decreased HRV
- Decreased calories burnt
- Changes in posture routine
- Decreased sleep quality
Overproduction of the stress hormone cortisol (also called hypercortisolism) is a serious condition that affects mostly older dogs. Some of the most common signs include drinking more water, increased urination, increased appetite, hair loss, panting, swollen abdomen, recurrent skin and/or urinary infections, and lethargy.
Breeds
Any dog can develop Cushing’s disease, but it is more commonly diagnosed in these breeds: Poodles, especially Miniature Poodles, Dachshunds, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers.
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system may help in the early detection of diseases and identifying complications:
- Decreased Wellness score
- Deviations from the Health Profile
- Decreased activity score
- Increased pulse rate
- Decreased HRV
- Decreased calories burnt
- Changes in posture routine
- Decreased sleep quality
Underproduction of hormones by the adrenal glands, including the stress hormone cortisol. Dogs with Addison’s disease cannot handle stress, which may lead to serious complications and even death. The disease is very difficult to detect because it mimics many other conditions. The common signs include waxing and waning episodes of lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Occasionally, dogs may collapse and have very slow heart rate.
Breeds
Affected dogs are usually young (2-6 years) females. The most common breeds with Addison’s disease are West Highland White Terriers, Great Danes, Basset Hounds, Portuguese Water Dogs, Airedale Terriers, Standard poodles, and Bearded collies.
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system may help in the early detection of diseases and identifying complications:
- Decreased Wellness score
- Deviations from the Health Profile
- Decreased activity score
- Decreased pulse rate
- Irregular HRV
- Decreased calories burnt
- Decreased sleep quality
Low levels of thyroid hormones cause a decreased metabolism and slowing down of all the body functions.
Common signs of hypothyroidism include weight gain (without an increase in appetite), lethargy, heat-seeking behavior (e.g. lying next to the fireplace or heat vent), hair loss (especially from the trunk and tail), and frequent skin and ear infections. Other symptoms owners often notice are pigmentation of the skin and the Inability to regrow the hair after shaving.
Breeds
Breeds commonly affected include Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, and Irish Setters.
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system may help in the early detection of diseases and identifying complications:
- Decreased Wellness score
- Deviations from the Health Profile
- Decreased activity score
- Decreased pulse rate
- Decreased HRV
- Decreased respiratory rate
- Decreased calories burnt
