Adrenal Tumours

Adrenal tumours are growths that develop in one or both of the small adrenal glands, which sit just above the kidneys and produce hormones that help regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and the body's response to stress. These tumours can be benign or malignant, and some produce excess hormones while others remain silent and are discovered incidentally during imaging for other reasons. Owners may notice changes that develop gradually over weeks to months—increased thirst and urination, a pot-bellied appearance, muscle weakness, or changes in coat quality. In other cases, a tumour may be found on an ultrasound or CT scan performed for an unrelated concern, with no outward signs at all. The pattern of signs often depends on which hormones, if any, the tumour is producing, and whether it is growing in a way that affects surrounding structures. This page explores what signs may appear and why, what is happening inside the adrenal gland, how these tumours are identified and characterised, and the range of approaches that exist for managing them. Each case tends to be individual, shaped by the type of tumour, the hormones involved, and the overall picture of the animal's health.