Acromegaly, which is caused by the excessive secretion of growth hormone in adult dogs, is an important disease closely related to the overgrowth of connective tissue and bone.

【Basic Information】

Family: Endocrine System Diseases

Symptoms: Skin Thickening Exercise Intolerance Polydipsia Polyuria

【Causes】

Canine acromegaly is caused by progesterone treatment or endogenous progesterone produced in the late estrus, which can cause excessive secretion of growth hormone.

【Main Symptoms】

The female dog is fully developed or has a normal estrus cycle and needs hormone therapy to prevent estrus. At the beginning of the disease, the soft tissue around the head and neck is swollen, which may further lead to gasping, sensitive screaming, and exercise intolerance. In addition, there may be increased skin folds on the head, neck, and extremities, skin thickening, and separation of teeth, resulting in increased interdental distance, especially the incisors.

【Diagnostic Criteria】

Acromegaly can be diagnosed by detecting serum concentration.

【Treatment method】

Stop hormone therapy and perform oophorectomy to control estrus, which can effectively treat acromegaly in female dogs.