title: Canine hypoadrenocorticism: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.
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.
authors: Veterinary Centers of America Veterinary Referral Associates, Gaithersburg, MD, USA. Electronic address: kathleen.vanlanen@vcahospitals.com.
authors: Kathleen
authors: K
authors: Van Lanen
authors: Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, Tinton Falls, NJ, USA.
authors: Allison
authors: A
authors: Sande
mesh_terms: D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D004285:Dogs
keywords: Addison; adrenal; aldosterone; canine; cortisol; hypoadrenocorticism