Martin Litviakov, Dan G. O’Neill, Dave C. Brodbelt, Sara Galac, Floryne O. Buishand

Background

Phaeochromocytoma (PCC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumour originating from adrenal chromaffin cells, capable of catecholamine overproduction. Its clinical presentation in dogs—hypertension, tachycardia, and weakness—mirrors human PCC. Due to non-specific symptoms and limited diagnostic access in primary veterinary care, PCC is considered under-diagnosed. This study aimed to quantify PCC incidence and identify breed, sex, and age-related risk factors among dogs receiving primary veterinary care in the UK, using the large VetCompass dataset.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study used anonymised electronic health records from 2,250,741 dogs seen in UK veterinary practices during 2019. Case identification relied on diagnosis codes, histopathology, biochemical criteria (elevated normetanephrine/metanephrine with imaging evidence), or treatment (phenoxybenzamine with adrenal mass). Multivariable logistic regression identified demographic and breed-related risk factors. Incidence and prevalence were calculated for 2019, with breed-specific odds ratios derived from logistic models.

Results

Ninety-two confirmed PCC cases were identified (available-EHR prevalence 4/100,000). Thirty-two were active in 2019, yielding an annual prevalence of 1/100,000 and incidence risk of 1/100,000 dogs. Predisposed breeds included the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, German Pointer, and Miniature Schnauzer, each showing significantly increased odds relative to crossbreeds. Terrier breeds overall and breeds predisposed to other endocrine tumours (especially pituitary/cortisol-secreting adrenal tumours and insulinoma) had elevated risk. Neutered males and dogs aged 9–15 years also exhibited higher odds of PCC diagnosis.

Limitations

Electronic health records were not designed for research, leading to incomplete or inconsistent data. Diagnostic confirmation was sometimes limited, and histopathology without immunohistochemistry could cause misclassification. The dataset represented ~30% of UK practices, and survival bias could over-represent longer-lived PCC cases. Multiple statistical tests were exploratory, lacking correction for multiplicity.

Conclusions

This first epidemiological study of PCC in UK dogs under primary care reports an annual incidence and prevalence of 1 per 100,000 dogs. Breed, neuter status, and age were significant risk factors, with terriers and certain endocrine-predisposed breeds at highest risk. These findings enhance veterinary awareness of PCC, support earlier clinical recognition, and position canine PCC as a valuable comparative model for human research.

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