Endocrinopathies with impact on the canine cardiovascular system

Abstract

The hormones’ synthesis and secretion are performed by endocrine glands which, when under the effect of physiological disturbance, can result in abnormal hormones’ secretion, resulting in alteration of the organism's functionality, stimulus or physiological response. The hormones’ secretion at levels below or above necessary can result in cardiovascular changes that can be presented as symptoms that can be commun associated to behavioral characteristics, racial association, sedentary lifestyle, aging or even nutritional management failures. Prolonged exposure to lower levels of hormonal secretion can lead the endocrine patient to develop chronic changes in cardiac functionality such as arrhythmia and bradycardia, as well as anatomical variation such as left ventricular hypertrophy and narrowing of the vena cava. Not enough, the dog may present laboratoial alterations and specific symptoms that can act as obstacles to the physiological functioning of the cardiovascular system, such as weight gain, muscle weakness, lethargy, hyperkalemia, hypercortisolemia and hyperglycemia. This paper lists the main impacts of endocrinopathies on the cardiovascular system, aiming to raise awareness among veterinarians about the importance of monitoring the cardiovascular, both during and after the end of treatment or stabilization of an endocrinopathy.