Understand adrenal tumours in dogs—symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment costs, and recovery guidance from real-world experience.

Adrenal Tumours in Dogs: A Complete, Experience-Driven Guide for Worried Pet Parents

If you’ve found this article because your vet mentioned adrenal tumours or you noticed unusual symptoms in your dog—breathe. I’ve been in your shoes, sitting in that cold clinic room, hearing medical terms that instantly tighten your chest. When my own dog, Bruno, was diagnosed with an adrenal mass, I felt overwhelmed.

This guide is everything I wish I had—simple explanations, expert-backed insights, and real-world advice you can use today.

Whether your dog has already been diagnosed or you’re trying to understand the early signs, this article breaks down adrenal tumours in dogs with clarity, compassion, and actionable steps.

What Are Adrenal Tumours in Dogs? (Simple Explanation + Why They Matter)

Dogs have two adrenal glands located near their kidneys. These glands control hormones that regulate:

Stress response (cortisol)
Blood pressure
Metabolism
Electrolytes
Sex hormones

When a tumour forms in one of these glands, it can disrupt the entire hormonal system.
This is why adrenal tumours are dangerous—not always because of the tumour itself, but because of the hormonal chaos it creates.

There are two main types:

1. Functional Adrenal Tumours

These produce excess hormones.
Examples:

Cortisol-producing tumours (PDH or ADH) → Cushing’s disease
Aldosterone-producing tumours → electrolyte imbalance (low potassium)
Pheochromocytomas → dangerous spikes in blood pressure

2. Non-functional Tumours

These don’t release hormones but can grow and affect nearby organs.

Both types can be benign or malignant, but even benign masses can be dangerous due to hormone production.

Common Symptoms of Adrenal Tumours in Dogs

Based on veterinary experience and countless cases I’ve seen over the years, adrenal tumours often show a pattern of symptoms. Most owners first notice subtle changes in behavior before physical symptoms appear.

Most Common Signs:

Excessive drinking and urination
Increased appetite (begging nonstop)
Hair loss along the sides of the body
Muscle weakness or reduced stamina
Pot-bellied appearance
Sudden anxiety or restlessness
Skin infections, thin skin, or slow wound healing
Rapid breathing

Signs of Pheochromocytoma (less common but serious):

Collapsing episodes
High blood pressure
Rapid heart rate
Sudden weakness
Panting attacks

Bruno’s Symptom Story (Real Example)

Before Bruno’s diagnosis, he was drinking bowls of water like he had just run a marathon. His belly looked oddly round and he had thinning hair on his back. I initially chalked it up to aging—but these were classic adrenal tumour signs.

If you’re noticing similar changes, trust your instincts and get your dog checked.

What Causes Adrenal Tumours in Dogs?

While the exact cause isn’t always clear, several factors contribute:

Age: Most dogs diagnosed are 8+ years old.
Breed: Poodles, Boxers, Dachshunds, and German Shepherds show slightly higher risk.
Genetic predisposition: Hormone-related diseases often run in certain lines.
Chronic stress & endocrine imbalance: Long-term hormonal strain may play a role.

That said, even the healthiest dogs can develop adrenal tumours. It’s not your fault—and you didn’t “miss something.”

How Vets Diagnose Adrenal Tumours (What Actually Happens)

When we brought Bruno to the vet, I didn’t know what to expect. Here’s the exact diagnostic process you can expect—broken down in human language.

1. Physical Exam & Blood Work

Your vet checks:

Electrolyte levels
Liver enzymes
Blood sugar
Complete blood count

Dogs with adrenal tumours often show:

High alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
High cholesterol
Low potassium (for aldosterone tumours)

2. Urinalysis

Helps confirm hormonal imbalance and rule out infections.

3. Hormone Tests

Likely tests include:

ACTH stimulation test
Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test
Aldosterone/renin ratio
Plasma metanephrines (for pheochromocytoma)

4. Imaging (the key step)

Abdominal ultrasound: First-line tool
CT scan: Best for surgical planning and detecting metastasis
X-rays: May reveal masses or spread

Ultrasound is what first revealed Bruno’s tumour—and the CT scan confirmed its location and size.

Treatment Options for Adrenal Tumours in Dogs

The best treatment depends on:

Tumour type
Tumour size
Whether it has spread
Overall health of your dog
Hormone levels

Here’s a detailed breakdown from both veterinary and real-world experience.

1. Surgery (Adrenalectomy) — The Gold Standard

Surgery is often the only curative option, especially for:

Functional tumours
Pheochromocytomas
Tumours larger than 2 cm
Tumours pressing on kidneys or vessels

Pros:

Potential complete cure
Hormone levels normalize
Dogs can live years after successful surgery

Cons:

Requires a highly experienced surgical team
Can be expensive ($3,000–$10,000+ depending on region)
Complications possible due to proximity to the vena cava (major vein)

Bruno had surgery—and although recovery took time, he bounced back beautifully.

2. Medical Management (When Surgery Isn’t Possible)

Some dogs are too old, too fragile, or have metastasis.

Medication options include:

For cortisol-producing tumours (Cushing’s):

Trilostane (most common)
Mitotane (older but effective)

For aldosterone-producing tumours:

Spironolactone
Potassium supplements

For pheochromocytoma:

Phenoxybenzamine (controls blood pressure before surgery)

Pros:

Helps manage symptoms
Slows progression
Improves quality of life

Cons:

Not a cure
Requires lifelong medication
Routine monitoring is essential

3. Monitoring Only (In Very Mild or Older Cases)

If the tumour is small and non-functional, vets may recommend:

Diet adjustments
Regular ultrasound checks
Symptom observation

This is typically for dogs with additional health risks.

Life Expectancy & Prognosis for Dogs With Adrenal Tumours

After speaking to countless vets and walking through the process myself, here’s the honest outlook:

With successful surgery:

Many dogs live 2–5+ years
Some live normal lifespans

With medication only:

1–3 years depending on tumour type and response

Pheochromocytoma:

Prognosis varies
Surgery vastly improves survival

Non-functional masses:

These have the best outlook if removed early.

One thing vets don’t always tell you: dogs often feel dramatically better within weeks once hormones stabilize.

Bruno started playing with his toys again just 10 days after surgery.

Caring for a Dog With Adrenal Tumours (Expert Tips from Experience)

These are lessons learned from caring for my own dog and helping many others through this journey:

1. Don’t ignore personality changes

Sudden clinginess, anxiety, or restlessness often signal hormonal imbalance.

2. Monitor water intake

High water consumption is one of the earliest red flags.

3. Keep weight under control

Obesity worsens adrenal disease.

4. Use low-sodium diets

Especially for aldosterone tumours.

5. Ask your vet about specialist surgeons

Not all vets are trained in adrenalectomy—it’s a complex procedure.

6. Get a CT scan before surgery

It improves surgical safety dramatically.

7. Track progress in a notebook

Include:

Med doses
Symptoms
Behavior changes
Water intake

You’ll be surprised how much this helps your vet make better decisions.

Common Mistakes Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

❌ Waiting too long after noticing symptoms

Hormone-producing tumours grow aggressively.

❌ Relying only on ultrasound without hormone tests

This can lead to incomplete diagnosis.

❌ Assuming the tumour is automatically cancerous

Many adrenal tumours are benign but functional.

❌ Not stabilizing blood pressure before surgery (for pheochromocytoma)

This is a critical pre-op step.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adrenal Tumours in Dogs

1. Are adrenal tumours in dogs always cancerous?

No. Many are benign but still produce dangerous hormones.

2. What breeds are most affected?

Poodles, Boxers, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, and Terriers are slightly more at risk.

3. How much does treatment cost?

Depending on region:

Diagnostics: $500–$2,000
Surgery: $3,000–$10,000
Medication: $30–$200/month

4. Can dogs live long after adrenal tumour removal?

Absolutely—many live years with excellent quality of life.

5. What’s the first sign dog owners usually notice?

Excessive drinking and urination, followed by hair thinning and belly swelling.

Final Thoughts: What You Should Do Next

If you suspect adrenal disease or your dog has already been diagnosed, don’t panic—this condition is treatable, manageable, and in many cases curable.

Your next best step is simple:

👉 Schedule a full diagnostic workup with your vet or a veterinary endocrinologist.
👉 Ask for hormone testing + abdominal imaging (ideally CT).

You are your dog’s greatest advocate.
With early action and the right medical team, adrenal tumours don’t have to steal years from your best friend.