Canine and Feline Estrogen Excess
📝 Summary
Estrogen excess happens when the ovaries overproduce estrogen or estrogen is given in excess, leading to symmetric hair loss, skin changes, and reproductive-tract problems. It is corrected by stopping the source and, in tumor cases, surgical removal.
1 Symptoms
Both sexes can be affected. Females show abnormal uterine bleeding unrelated to heat, thickened uterine lining, swollen vulva with discharge, enlarged nipples, and symmetric hair loss over the flanks, perineum, and mammary area with dark pigmentation and greasy skin. Males develop enlarged nipples, sexual dysfunction, and female-like behavior. Secondary uterine infection, or pyometra, can follow.
2 Causes and Transmission
It is caused by ovarian cysts or tumors, or by excessive estrogen medication. In intact females it reflects ovarian hormone imbalance; in males it produces a feminization syndrome. The surplus estrogen disrupts the hair cycle and the reproductive tract. The disease is not contagious.
3 Diagnosis
The signs and history guide suspicion, and blood tests can show elevated estrogen. Your veterinarian rules out other causes of hair loss and checks the reproductive tract, using imaging as needed and confirming ovarian involvement before treatment.
4 Treatment
The first step is to stop any external estrogen. Underlying ovarian cysts or tumors are treated, and in many cases spaying, the removal of the ovaries and uterus, is curative. Hormone-regulating or antibiotic medication may be used for uterine changes or infection, directed by your veterinarian.
5 Prevention
Spaying females before hormone-related problems develop is the most effective prevention. Avoid unnecessary estrogen medications, and have any abnormal bleeding or hair loss evaluated promptly so treatable ovarian disease is caught early.
Still Have Questions About Canine and Feline Estrogen Excess?
Explore more disease articles or ask our expert team for professional advice
Go to Q&A →