Excessive secretion of growth hormone in adult dogs leads to acromegaly, which is an important disease closely related to the excessive growth of connective tissue and bones.

【Basic information】

Family: Endocrine system diseases

Symptoms: Skin thickening, exercise intolerance, polydipsia and polyuria

【Cause】

Acromegaly in dogs is caused by progesterone treatment or endogenous progesterone produced in late estrus, both of which can cause excessive secretion of growth hormone.

【Main Symptoms】

Female dogs that are fully developed or have normal estrous cycles need to be given hormone treatment to prevent estrus. At the beginning of the disease, the soft tissue around the head and neck swells, which may further lead to wheezing, sensitive screaming, and intolerance to exercise. In addition, skin folds may increase on the head, neck, and extremities, skin may thicken, and teeth may become separated, resulting in an increase in the distance between teeth, especially the front teeth.

【Diagnostic criteria】

Acromegaly can be diagnosed by measuring serum concentrations.

【Treatment method】

Stopping hormone therapy and performing ovariohysterectomy to control estrus can effectively treat acromegaly in female dogs.