These tiny glands exert a huge influence on your dog and his health.

By Randy Kidd, DVM, PhD

The adrenals are small glands located just forward of the kidneys. They are so small, in fact, they were virtually ignored by early anatomists for centuries. Although small in size, they are extremely important in the overall hormonal balance of the body and its ability to maintain homeostasis.

Most disorders involving the adrenal glands are difficult to diagnose; in many cases, it can be even more difficult to determine the cause of the disorder. Laboratory tests of your dog’s blood will be necessary for a diagnosis and thus proper treatment.

The adrenal glands also interact with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland; the collaboration of the three glands is known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis). Their joint activities help control the body’s reactions to stress, whether it is physical or psychological. They also help regulate body processes such as digestion, the immune system, and energy usage. …

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