Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Canine hypoadrenocorticism: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Journal:
- Topics in companion animal medicine
- Year:
- 2014
- Authors:
- Van Lanen, Kathleen & Sande, Allison
- Affiliation:
- Veterinary Centers of America Veterinary Referral Associates · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Hypoadrenocorticism, also known as Addison disease, is a rare condition in dogs that happens when the adrenal glands are damaged by the immune system, leading to lower levels of important hormones. Dogs with this condition may show symptoms like upset stomach, weakness, weight loss, and low blood volume. While some dogs may have normal electrolyte levels, common lab findings include high potassium, low sodium, and signs of kidney issues. To confirm the diagnosis, a special test called ACTH stimulation testing is needed to check cortisol levels. Fortunately, with the right hormone treatments, dogs with hypoadrenocorticism can have a good outlook.
Abstract
Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison disease) is an uncommon condition in dogs and even more rare in cats. Hypoadrenocorticism is most often caused by immune-mediated destruction of the adrenal glands resulting in decreased mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid production. Although less common, some dogs with hypoadrenocorticism have normal serum electrolytes. Hypoadrenocorticism causes a wide variety of clinical symptoms including gastrointestinal upset, weakness, weight loss, and hypovolemia. Laboratory and diagnostic findings vary, but classic abnormalities include hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, azotemia, anemia, and lack of a stress leukogram. However, many other diseases present with similar symptoms and diagnostic findings. Definitive diagnosis requires adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation testing to demonstrate low basal and post-ACTH cortisol levels. In some cases, ACTH level or basal- and ACTH-stimulated aldosterone levels must also be measured. The prognosis for hypoadrenocorticism is good with appropriate mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid supplementation.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25813848/