My dog passed away this last July 2017 . He was diagnosed with Pheochromacytoma and early stage kidney disease in May of 2016. Fearing the complications of surgery, we opted to try Radiation Sterotatic treatment. Which is treating the tumor with high radiation . This treatment has no proven track record with this type of cancer. We got mixed results. After a year his tumor only increased 1 cm . However, the tumor was functional meaning, my dog had to stay on the same high dosage of blood pressure meds to counter act the hormonal release. We thought the tumor would shrink and his blood pressure would decline over the months but didnt. The last two months his blood pressure remain stable and normal with his meds. But his heart rate increased from average of 100bpm to 130 bpm. In combination with his kidney disease which we had stabilized his appetite decreased. The last week of his life he stopped eating all together. His blood pressure could no longer be controlled with medication. If I had to do it over again, I would have opted for the surgery. Although the tumor may be considered benign, the functional nature of the hormone release is what causes damage from the increased blood pressure.

Hey everyone! I just found out today through biopsy that my 12.5 year old shih tzu was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma. About 3 weeks ago, he had his Right adrenal gland removed. The perioperative period was a little daunting but they said he did ok. THe only issue was low blood sugar and appetite but he bounced back the 2nd day post op. Prior to this, my dog has been having MILDLY ELEVATED LIVER ENZYMES for about a year and a half. The vets wanted to recheck it in a month after starting him on Denamarin. Still high. This went on for months. THey kept telling me its nonspecific and nothing to worry about. We also ran a bile acid test to see if the liver was functioning. This was normal. WHile I agree that liver enzymes being slightly elevated (especially for months to years) may seem non-specific and not something to be concerned about, they are still elevated and out of normal range. WHen ALT/AST enzymes are elevated for periods of time for no good reason, I do not believe that it is just a fluke. I am a critical care nurse and from taking advanced physiology and pathophysiology courses in graduate school, I learned that elevated enzymes means some type of damage. Yes it could be the food or other random etiology but I changed my dog's diet from kibble to FROZEN RAW or freeze-dried RAW and I was certain that this would help his liver values. Kibble is horrible and I've watched so many documentaries. Nonetheless, I chose to chase it. Yes, it's mildly elevated. No, the Denamarin wasn't helping. Yes, the liver bile acid test was normal but I am not waiting until values become extremely abnormal before intervening. In medicine, there is a fine line between waiting and acting. I am GRATEFUL I ACTED. WHAT IS DAMAGING my dog's liver???? I took him for an ultrasound of the abdomen on my own free will. The vets said this was an option but were not pushing me to do it. He was diagnosed with Hepatic vacuolar hepatopathy which is another non-specific diagnosis. However, it is known that over secretion of hormones from the adrenal gland can cause this and subsequently cause damage to liver cells by storing glycogen on the surface of the liver. My dog was exhibiting atypical cushings symptoms as well; this also supported the premise that there was something wrong with his adrenal gland. Well, they found a nodule on his R adrenal gland. The gold standard was to surgically remove it. As you all were, I was nervous to have my dog undergo surgery. Anesthesia is scary and the perioperative phase even scarier. I was scared he would form blood clots, be in severe pain, or have deadly arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders) and even electrolyte imbalances. NO prophylactic anti-coagulants for dogs apparently; in humans we administer heparin a couple days after surgeries. However, my dog is resting and is his happy joyful self three weeks later. I followed my surgeons instructions for home care to the T. If you can help it do the surgery. I made sure to optimize my dog's health prior. I walked him 3x's a day, fed him NO kibble only RAW frozen (Primal pet from pet supplies plus) and gave him supplements/vitamins. I also give him probiotics in his water because he was sent home with 4 weeks worth of antibiotics. I had to taper Prednisone (a steroid) until his left adrenal gland would function and compensate. It was a small tumor and it did not invade the vena cava (my biggest worry). Since it was on the R side, it was a little more risky because it is further back than the left one which means more manipulation. It was done open abdomen instead of laparoscopically given the location and depth of the tumor. I will follow up and see how I can monitor for any metastasis. He said it is HIGHLY unlikely but is estimated at 15% per literature. However, he has never seen this in his practice. He also mentioned recurrence? But, I am not sure what he meant by that because he took out the entire R adrenal gland. Nonetheless, point is: CHASE YOUR DOUBTS!!!! Shih tzu's also typically have a longer life span (~16-18 years) which is why I decided even more that this was the right decision. AT the time of agreeing to do the adrenalectomy, I did not know yet if it was malignant or benign and my internal med vet said there is no way of knowing unless the gland is removed and sent for biopsy. SO... I went for it, said a lot of prayers and prepped my dog in the best way I knew how. You are your pet's ADVOCATE. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. I am lucky that I have medical/nursing background to support my actions. I hope I helped you guys with any questions. Sorry if there are typos, I just came from working a 13 hour shift. I will try to check back on this website to answer questions. - Xtine RN, BSN, CCRN

Just got the news that our 9 yo dog may have this. I am praying surgery is an option although ultrasound showed a decent sized mass. Never did I expect to hear this when I took him in due to increasing lethargy from last week. Last week he went in for an ear infection! Today ... this ! Shocked. Feeling bad that I must have missed signs but vet explained there are episodic & easily missed. All I know is my doggy is totally different from last Saturday to today! All I am reading is exactly my dog. So sad but hopeful. Your post was very helpful. I will opt for surgery if an option based on your comments.

Hello Jaz. I am so sorry for your loss. You must be heartbroken. It is always so difficult to know what to do for the best. Our vet thinks our 12 year old greyhound has it. She has recommended a CT scan but we are worried due to the anaesthesia his very high blood pressure. Do you mind me asking how old your dog was? Take care. X

Hello Jean J. I would love to hear how your dog has fared and whether or not he had the surgery. Your situation 10 months ago is eerily similar to mine now.