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In most affected dogs (85 to 90%), the cause is a small, benign pituitary tumor. In the remaining 10 to 15% of dogs, the cause is a tumor of the adrenal gland itself. This condition tends to occur in middle-aged to older dogs.
Life expectancy for dogs with pituitary tumors can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and location of the tumor, the age and overall health of the dog, and the treatment options that are chosen.
In dogs, the most common pituitary tumor affects the region that produces adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). Excess ACTH causes the adrenal glands to make too much cortisol (a naturally produced steroid), leading to a condition called hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing’s disease.
Pituitary macroadenomas are more common in dogs than in cats. These tumors may be functional (hormone-secreting) or non-functional (do not secrete hormones), and their effects depend on whether the tumor is producing hormones.
1 kwi 2021 · The most common pituitary tumour in dogs is the corticotroph adenoma. •. The most common pituitary tumour in cats is the somatotroph adenoma. •. The molecular background of these tumours is still largely unknown. •. A better understanding could help to identify new pituitary-targeted therapeutics. Abstract.
If a dog is showing neurological signs (eg, anorexia, stupor, or seizures) and a large pituitary tumor (macroadenoma) is identified, radiotherapy of the pituitary gland is indicated. Newer types of radiotherapy (cyberknife, gamma knife) may prove superior to previously available modalities and can treat pituitary tumors in 3 days with minimal ...
Recent work on somatostatin and dopaminergic receptor changes in humans and dogs with Cushing’s disease has opened the door to targeted therapy of pituitary tumors. Such therapies not only result in decreased ACTH production but a reduction in tumor size.
