Could an Adrenal Tumor Cause Aggression?
by Marla
(Toronto, CANADA)
Reader Question
2-years ago my Vet found a large mass on my dogs adrenal gland incidentally. The risk for surgery was too great so we opted not to do anything. Her symptoms have escalated in recent months to unprovoked lunges/growls at my other dog and family members, and she has constant urinary tract infections, she's losing weight and vomits on average once a week and trails behind on walks. Overall energy level is good, but stamina on walks has noticeably declined in the last year. Her cortisol levels were checked through a urine test and were high, but one Vet said she thinks it's due to her constant UTI's. I need to get her aggressive behavior under control and need to know what is causing it. Could it be Cushings Disease, or Hypothyroidism all caused by the adrenal gland tumor? Nobody seems to know. She is a complicated case due to her history with Mast Cell Cancer, and Puppy Mill abuse, as she does suffer from anxiety attacks, and hyperactivity which I just attributed to her abuse, but now I'm not so sure, nor is her Vet. I asked her Vet to do a full thyroid antibody profile on her to check her hormone levels and I am waiting for the results. What do you recommend, as her Vet actually brought up euthanizing her due to her aggressive behavior, and we've come so far. We
got her MCT into complete remission and gave her a loving home. She had 9-litters by force by the time she was 2. She is a cockapoo. Currently 38 lbs. Her normal weight is around 45 - 49 lbs. We think she is going to be 10 in July and have had her for 8 years. I know her behavior is due to something related to her adrenal gland tumor, but I just can't figure out what is going on. HELP! She is the little one in the picture beside her big brother.
Answer from Our Team
It's possible. Some adrenal tumors produce stress hormones such as adrenaline (pheochromocytomas) or excess cortisol, which can cause restlessness, anxiety and irritability. Chronic pain, repeated urinary infections and other illness can also make dogs more irritable.
Ask your vet about blood pressure testing and a urine or blood metanephrine test, which screens for a pheochromocytoma, and about referral to an internal medicine specialist and a veterinary behaviorist. Treating pain and infections may help, and a behaviorist can make a safety plan for your other dog and family while the cause is investigated. Thyroid tests are reasonable, though low thyroid rarely explains aggression. Excess cortisol can lower thyroid results without true hypothyroidism, and urine cortisol tests can read high from illness or stress, including UTIs.
See adrenal gland problems in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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