Adrenal Tumor Producing Sex Hormones in a 14-Year-Old Dog
The vet is recommending surgery over medication. She said that since it's his left adrenal gland that has the tumor, it's easier to get to surgically. Also, she said that the meds would basically "kill" both his adrenal glands and then it would be a balancing act of meds he would need to be on the rest of his life.
My question is, after reading about the adrenalectomy, it seems like it is a very risky surgery. My dog is about 14 years old. I don't know if I should go ahead with it or wait it out....
Any advise would be much appreciated!
Some adrenal tumors produce sex hormones such as progesterone instead of cortisol and cause Cushing's-like signs. Removing the affected adrenal gland can cure it, but adrenal surgery is a major operation with real risk, especially in older dogs, so your hesitation is understandable.
Ask for a CT scan to check whether the tumor is invading nearby vessels, and consider a consultation with a board-certified surgeon about his specific risk. Medical options such as trilostane or mitotane are sometimes used for these tumors, though evidence for them is limited and they don't remove the tumor. A specialist can help you weigh surgery against medication given his age and overall health.
See adrenal gland problems in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
