Swollen Adrenal Glands but No Other Signs
by Norman
(Norwich)
Reader Question
It all started when my dog, a terrier began drinking a lot of water. My first thoughts were diabetes or kidney failure. After tests for diabetes, kidney failure, cushings syndrome etc., an ultrasound scan showed that he had swollen adrenal glands, one being twice the size of the other. He has no other symptoms, other than occasional short lived panting. He still eats well and is just as lively as ever, he is ten years old and is often being suspected of only being four years old. Unless you are the person who gives him the water or knows that he urinates a lot, you would never know there is anything wrong with him.
I am temped to just carry on giving him all the water he wants and let him enjoy life. He is not showing any signs of discomfort or pain.
If I carry on like this what might happen?
I am temped to just carry on giving him all the water he wants and let him enjoy life. He is not showing any signs of discomfort or pain.
If I carry on like this what might happen?
Answer from Our Team
Enlarged adrenal glands with heavy thirst can mean Cushing's even if earlier tests were inconclusive, and one gland being much larger than the other can mean an adrenal tumor. Some dogs are monitored rather than treated when signs are mild.
If you choose to watch and wait, keep fresh water available, and ask your vet to recheck blood pressure, urine and the adrenal glands periodically, since high blood pressure, urinary infections and tumor growth can develop without obvious signs. See your vet if he starts panting more, gains a pot belly or seems unwell.
See Cushing's disease in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
