The Endocrine System of Cats and Dogs

The endocrinology of the canine and feline includes different types of glands and organs that produce hormones in the body. Some of the glands in the endocrine system consist of the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands plus part of the pancreas. The purpose of these various glands in the body of dogs and cats is to produce hormones which are substances that travel through the bloodstream to other organs in the body. The endocrine system regulates controls and coordinates different bodily functions.

Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system, its’ function and diseases. The endocrine system begins with the hypothalamus at the base of the brain, attached to the pituitary gland. Both the thyroid and parathyroid are located in the neck while the adrenal glands are in the abdominal cavity along with the GI tract, the liver and the pancreas. The ovaries of the female cat and dog and the testes of the male cat and dog complete the endocrine system.

Petplace.com states that the endocrine system is made up of various glands throughout the bodies which produces hormones, distributes them into the internal body environment and are transmitted through the bloodstream. A hormone is a chemical messenger from one cell(s) to another within the body. They communicate to distant parts of the body to stimulate such things as growth, development, hunger, sugar regulation, attentiveness and so much more. On the other hand, the hormones also contribute to some major diseases that a dog or cat can contract. The structure and function of the endocrine system is the same for both dogs and cats.

Diseases of the endocrine system are a result of an overproduction of hormones, which is hyper-function of the glands, or an underproduction of glands known as hypo-function of the glands. According to NativeRemedies.com, some of the diseases of the endocrine system are Addison’s disease, Cushing’s disease, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Diabetes Mellitus and diseases of the parathyroid glands. Conditions that seem to affect dogs more than cats are hypothyroidism, parathyroid gland disorders, Cushing’s and Addison’s Diseases.

There are many diagnostic tests that can be performed in evaluating the endocrine system in both dogs and cats. Most of these tests can detect not only abnormalities in the endocrine system but in other affected organs as well. Complete blood tests and blood count, serum biochemistry tests, urinalysis, blood sugar tests, x-rays, CT scan, MRI and other radio-graph images can determine any abnormalities within the body. Not all endocrine diseases are easy to diagnose or confirm, requiring several tests over a period of time. Some symptoms of a disease can also be vague, especially with cats, that their illness can be overlooked. Keeping up with all required veterinary visits and recommended vaccinations will at least keep you ahead of the game in keeping your dog or cat healthy.

Reference:

• www.petplace.com/dogs/structure-and-function-of-the-endocrine-system-in-dogs/page3.as
• www.petplace.com/cats/structure-and-function-of-the-endocrine-system-in-cats/page3.as
• www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/ailment/hormone-imbalances-endocrine-diseases-cats-do