Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disease caused by growth hormone excess. It is characterized by chronic overgrowth of connective tissue, bone and viscera.

Among other clinical signs, insulin resistant diabetes and enlargement of soft tissue organs and proliferation of gum tissue is seen.

Dogs generally develop acromegaly due to progesterone secretion and growth hormone production by the mammary glands. Acromegaly may rarely be caused by pituitary or hypothalamic neoplasia.

Spaying of bitches is usually curative, although the concurrent diabetes may be permanent, depending on the remaining ability of the pancreas to secrete insulin.