This webinar focuses on pheochromocytoma, a rare but potentially life-threatening neuroendocrine tumor arising from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. The session explains the pathophysiology of catecholamine production and how excessive secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine leads to a wide range of often episodic and nonspecific clinical signs. Because of its variable presentation, pheochromocytoma is often referred to as a “great pretender” in veterinary medicine.
Participants will learn how to recognize the cardiovascular, neurological, and systemic manifestations associated with the disease, including hypertension, tachyarrhythmias, collapse, weakness, and behavioral changes. The webinar also provides a structured diagnostic approach, covering laboratory findings, blood pressure assessment, imaging techniques such as abdominal ultrasound and CT, and the interpretation of hormonal testing including plasma free normetanephrines and urine normetanephrine-to-creatinine ratios.
In addition, the session reviews therapeutic strategies, including pre-operative stabilization, medical management with alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockers, and surgical treatment of adrenal tumors. Potential perioperative complications and prognosis are discussed, and clinical case material is used to illustrate practical decision-making in dogs suspected of having pheochromocytoma.
