Endocrinology: Hormonal Health in Pets
Identifying endocrine (hormonal) disorders as early as possible is crucial to maintaining your pet’s overall health. These conditions are often serious and potentially life-threatening, but with early diagnosis and appropriate management, many can be effectively controlled—allowing your pet to live a longer, healthier life.
The endocrine system is a complex network of hormone-producing glands that regulate vital functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and stress response. When this system becomes imbalanced—due to autoimmune disease, tumors, or other causes—it can result in an endocrine disorder. Conditions may arise from either a deficiency (“hypo”) or an excess (“hyper”) of a particular hormone, and each disorder presents its own set of challenges.
Common endocrine disorders we diagnose and manage include:
- Diabetes mellitus, caused by a deficiency of or resistance to insulin
- Hypothyroidism, most often seen in dogs, where the thyroid under-produces hormones
- Hyperthyroidism, common in older cats, where the thyroid over-produces hormones
- Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism), caused by excess cortisol production
- Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism), a deficiency in adrenal hormones, which can be life-threatening if untreated
Signs of endocrine disease can be subtle and easily mistaken for aging or other conditions. Contact us if you notice changes in your pet’s energy level, behavior, weight, appetite, thirst, urination patterns, skin or coat quality, or if they begin panting excessively.
These diseases are often complex and require careful, ongoing management. Treatment options vary—ranging from daily medication or dietary changes to more advanced therapies—and our team is committed to working closely with you to find the best plan for your pet’s specific needs.
We also manage secondary health issues that may result from endocrine disorders, such as infections, skin conditions, high blood pressure, or changes in kidney or liver function. Because many of these diseases affect older pets, we take a comprehensive approach to care, supporting your pet through all aspects of aging.
Our team is passionate about helping pet owners feel confident and supported. We provide strong follow-up care, coordinate consultations with specialists when appropriate, and remain fully engaged in your pet’s long-term health journey.
Contact Us
contactus@seacoastanimal.com
760-760-7973
Hours
Mon: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tues: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Weds: Closed
Thurs: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Fri: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Sat/Sun: Closed