Male Dog Estrogen

My chihuahua has high levels of estrogen, a pot belly and is losing his hair. He's inactive,but not excessively thirsty.He seems to have an upset stomach but usually has a good appetite.He's six years old and has been tested for canine cushings, hypothyroid and skin disease.

One of the last tests he had, his thyroid level was high. He was exposed to my estrogen cream by licking it, but it's been a month now that I've changed where I apply it and he doesn't seem to feel any better.

He's scheduled for an ultrasound next week to see if he has a tumor on his adrenal gland or anywhere else. I was wondering what your thoughts on this might be. The vet said maybe he has an atypical case of cushings. Oh, his neuter was complete.

Thanks,

Patricia

Editor Suggestion

Hi Patricia,

I am still a little concerned that his exposure to your estrogen cream could be responsible for some of his symptoms. He does not have to lick the cream for it to cause problems. Skin to skin contact would be enough (e.g., he sits on your lap or you pet him after using your hands to apply it). Also, it can take several months for his symptoms to disappear even if you are 100% sure he isn’t coming into contact with the cream now.

Does he have any other symptoms of estrogen exposure like enlarged mammary glands? Your vet could swab the inside of his prepuce and look at the cells under the microscope. If he is still under the influence of estrogen the cells look like those from the vulva of a bitch in heat.

I think your vet’s plan to ultrasound his abdomen with special attention to his adrenal glands is also an excellent approach. Atypical Cushing’s disease is a definite possibility.

Good luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM