# Computed Tomography Volumetric Measurements of Adrenal Glands in 26 Dogs Under One Year of Age: A Retrospective Study

## TL;DR

This study measured adrenal gland size in puppies using CT scans and found that gland volume correlates with body weight, suggesting the need for weight-adjusted reference values.

## Contribution

The study provides new CT-based volumetric and traditional measurements of adrenal glands in puppies under one year of age.

## Key findings

- Adrenal gland volume correlated positively with body weight and adult size in puppies.
- CT volumetry proved reliable for assessing adrenal glands in young dogs.
- Mild asymmetry between left and right adrenal glands was observed.

## Abstract

This study examined adrenal gland size in puppies under one year of age using computed tomography (CT) volumetry and traditional measurements, including length, height, and width. Adrenal volume showed a positive correlation with body weight, highlighting the need for weight-adjusted reference values. Age-related trends and mild asymmetry between the left and right glands were noted. CT proved to be a reliable method for assessing adrenal glands in young dogs; however, larger studies including endocrine data are required to ensure adequate hormonal influences.

Limited data exist regarding the size and volume of adrenal glands in puppies; therefore, the present research aims to describe volumetric and traditional measurements of adrenal glands in computed tomography (CT) images of 26 dogs under 1 year of age. Using OsiriX®MD v9.0.1, the adrenal volume as well as adrenal length, and the height and width of the cranial and caudal poles were documented. The results were compared with groups based on age, weight at the time of examination, and the dogs’ adult size when patients were clinically re-evaluated after more than 12 months of age. The mean adrenal gland volumes were 0.50 cm3 for the left (range 0.08–1.29 cm3) and 0.41 cm3 for the right (range 0.03–1.10 cm3) adrenal gland. The results showed that older puppies had larger adrenal glands, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. The volume of the adrenal glands correlated positively with body weight and the patients’ adult size. The findings highlight the diagnostic potential of CT-based adrenal volumetry and two-dimensional measurements and support their use in refining reference values for young dogs. The strong correlation between adrenal size and body weight emphasizes the importance of weight-adjusted interpretation in clinical settings.