Endocrinopathies with impact on the canine cardiovascular system

The synthesis and secretion of hormones is performed by endocrine glands which, when under the effect of physiological disturbance, can result in abnormal hormonal secretion, leading to alterations in the organism's functionality, stimulus, or physiological response. Hormonal secretion at levels below or above necessary can result in cardiovascular changes that may be presented as symptoms commonly confused with behavioral characteristics, racial association, sedentary lifestyle, aging, or even nutritional management failure. 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 changes such as left ventricular hypertrophy and narrowing of the vena cava. Moreover, the dog may present laboratorial alterations and specific symptoms that can act as obstacles for 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 of the importance of cardiovascular monitoring, both during and after the end of treatment or stabilization of an endocrinopathy.