What is an Endocrine Disease?

An endocrine disease is a fancy way of describing a disease that is caused by a hormonal imbalance. These diseases are relatively common and can greatly affect your pet’s quality of life. Some diseases can even be life threatening if they are not diagnosed and treated correctly.

Endocrine diseases can develop because a gland is not functioning properly or the control of the gland is faulty.

When too much hormone is produced, the disease is referred to as a hyper disease. Tumours and abnormal tissue growth commonly cause an overproduction of hormone.

A hypo disease occurs when too little hormone is produced. Endocrine glands that are destroyed, removed, or just stop working cause these diseases.


Keep a look out for the following:

• Changes in appetite and thirst
• Changes in weight
• Changes in coat and skin
• Changes in behaviour

There are multiple ways we can treat an endocrine disease but diagnosis of the actual cause of the disease is essential.

We will cover some of the common endocrine diseases in this newsletter but remember that there are plenty more out there so make sure your pet receives regular health checks with us.