risk of adrenal surgery

I was just wanting information on general risks of surgery to remove an adrenal tumor if that is indeed what is the final diagnosis.  From everything I've read online, it seems that this surgery seems a bit high risk.  I'm assuming since my dog is actually a bit younger than the normally diagnosed cushinoid dog that might be in his favor.  Also, he's not really had any of the red flag warning symptoms of cushings, so I'm hopeful that this is an early diagnosis?  He doesn't drink excessively, nor has he lost any hair.  Just has the fat belly and has developed problems jumping.  Any advice on finding a vet in my area that has done a lot of these surgeries as I feel he would have a better chance if someone who was highly experienced.  Thanks in advance for any insight.

[Terry Dew, D.V.M., M.S., DACVS]

Sorry to hear about your dog.  Removal of an adrenal gland can be fairly straightforward or complicated depending on which adrenal is involved.  The left is less complicated than right and depends also on what if any adjacent structures are involved. If right adrenal tumors are large they can invade the wall of the caudal vena cava or abdominal aorta which makes surgery more difficult and carries a greater risk of complications.

You are right in wanting a definitive diagnosis prior to any surgery. An abdominal ultrasound done by a specialist could demonstrate any adrenal gland abnormalities.

You can visit acvs.org to see whether or not there is a board certified surgeon in your area. There is nothing wrong with interveiwing a potential surgeon (finding out how many cases like this s/he has treated, outcomes, etc.) before committing to surgery.

Best wishes to you and your dog. If we can answer any other questions here at MedHelp.org, don't hesitate to stop in.