Hypoadrenocorticism in dogs Hypoadrenocorticism in dogs Hypoadrenocorticism in dogs, or, as it is known in people, Addison's disease, is an endocrine system disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce enough hormones for normal function. The adrenal glands secrete glucocorticoids such as cortisol and mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone; when proper amounts of these are not produced, the metabolic and electrolyte balance is upset. Mineralocorticoids control the amount of potassium, salt and water in the body. Hypoadrenocorticism is fatal if left untreated. All causes for hypoadrenocorticism are not yet known. The usual causes are genetic, often related to autoimmune disorders, where the
Endocrine surgery Endocrine surgery Endocrine surgery is a surgical sub-speciality focusing on surgery of the endocrine glands, including the thyroid gland, the parathyroid glands, the adrenal glands, glands of the endocrine pancreas, and some neuroendocrine glands. Surgery of the thyroid gland constitutes the bulk of endocrine surgical procedures worldwide. This may be done for a variety of conditions, ranging from benign multinodular goiter to thyroid cancer.In the United Kingdom it was developed as a separate speciality from general surgery at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School by Dick Welbourne and John Lynn. Operations involve removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) either as a