Your dog was diagnosed with Pheochromocytoma / Adrenal Tumour. Uncommon tumour arising from adrenal medulla chromaffin cells. Can be functional (catecholamine-secreting) causing episodic hypertension, tachycardia, panting. Often incidental finding on abdominal imaging. Can be locally invasive (vena cava invasion). Compare 2 treatment options for dogs including Adrenalectomy, Conservative / Medical Management — with survival times, costs, and what to expect during treatment.
Pet Cancer Options — Pheochromocytoma / Adrenal Tumour
Canine Oncology Treatment Guide
Pheochromocytoma / Adrenal Tumour
Neuroendocrine
About This Cancer
Pheochromocytoma is a tumour arising from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla — the inner part of the adrenal gland responsible for producing adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). When functional, these tumours can release surges of catecholamines, causing episodes of high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, panting, and restlessness. However, many pheochromocytomas are non-functional or produce only mild symptoms, and are discovered incidentally during abdominal imaging for unrelated conditions. A particular surgical challenge is that some of these tumours invade the adjacent vena cava (the body's largest vein), which significantly complicates surgical removal and increases operative risk. Surgical excision, when feasible, is the treatment of choice, but perioperative management of blood pressure and heart rhythm is critical.
No formal staging system
Prognostic assessment based on tumour size, local invasiveness (vena cava involvement), and presence of metastasis. Functional status (catecholamine secretion) affects perioperative risk.
Prognostic Factors(2)
Minimum Workup(7 steps)
Median Survival Time Comparison
How long the average patient survives with each treatment
Each treatment is rated by how much published research supports its use. Solid bars indicate stronger evidence; dashed bars mean less certainty.
Please note: All treatment data is sourced from published peer-reviewed literature. Survival times and cost figures are approximate guides. Your pet's individual factors — including tumour grade, stage, and overall health — will influence outcomes and should guide all treatment decisions. The strength-of-evidence rating reflects how much research exists, not how strongly a treatment is recommended. This tool is designed to help you have informed conversations with your veterinary oncologist, not to replace them. Costs shown are US referral centre estimates and may vary significantly by region.