Comparison of classic hypoadrenocorticism with glucocorticoid-deficient hypoadrenocorticism in dogs: 46 cases (1985-2005).
OBJECTIVE
To compare dogs with glucocorticoid-deficient hypoadrenocorticism (GDH) with those with mineralocorticoid- and glucocorticoid-deficient hypoadrenocorticism (MGDH) and determine prevalence, historical and clinicopathologic markers, and outcome of dogs with GDH.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
46 dogs with hypoadrenocorticism.


METHODS
Records in the veterinary medical database at Purdue University were searched for dogs in which hypoadrenocorticism had been diagnosed at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1985 to 2005. Data pertaining to signalment, history, a minimum clinicopathologic database, treatment, and outcome were collected. Dogs with hypoadrenocorticism were classified as having MGDH if hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, or both were detected and as having GDH if hyponatremia and hyperkalemia were absent. Dogs were excluded if they had ever been treated with mitotane or had been treated with > 1 dose of corticosteroids within a month prior to the ACTH-stimulation test.


RESULTS
35 dogs with MGDH and 11 dogs with GDH met the inclusion criteria. Dogs with GDH were older at the time of diagnosis and had a longer duration of clinical signs prior to diagnosis than those with MGDH. Dogs with GDH were more likely to be anemic, hypoalbuminemic, and hypocholesterolemic than dogs with MGDH.


CONCLUSIONS
GDH was more common than reported in a referral hospital population of dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism. Definitive diagnosis of GDH remains a clinical challenge. Absence of a stress leukogram in dogs with signs of illness (especially relating to the gastrointestinal tract) warrants further investigation. Most dogs with primary cortisol deficiency do not develop mineralocorticoid deficiency.
Thompson
Ann L
AL
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Scott-Moncrieff
J Catharine
JC
Anderson
Johnna D
JD
D000304:Adrenal Cortex Function Tests / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency*; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D015415:Biomarkers; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone