Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Aldosterone-, corticosterone- and cortisol-secreting adrenocortical carcinoma in a dog: case report.
- Journal:
- Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
- Year:
- 2008
- Authors:
- Tatsuhiko Machida et al.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 12-year-old female beagle had been drinking and urinating a lot, as well as eating more than usual, for two months. Blood tests revealed some liver enzymes were high and potassium levels were very low. Further testing showed that her body was producing too much of certain hormones, and an ultrasound found a tumor in her left adrenal gland, along with other masses in her liver and a major vein. She started treatment with a medication called trilostane, which helped her feel better at first, but unfortunately, she became weak and passed away after about four months. The final diagnosis was adrenocortical carcinoma, which is a type of cancer in the adrenal gland.
Abstract
A 12-year-old, intact female beagle exhibited symptoms of polyuria-polydipsia and hyperorexia for two months. Blood tests showed elevated asparate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase levels, as well as marked hypokalemia. The results of adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test showed elevated cortisol, aldosterone and corticosterone concentrations. Abdominal ultrasonography confirmed a mass in the left adrenal gland. Masses were also seen in the liver and caudal vena cava. Diagnosis was a tumor of the adrenal cortex with metastases. Trilostane administration was initiated. The dog initially showed improved demeanor as a result of regulating hormone secretion. However, after 88 days, the dog weakened rapidly, before dying on the 117th day. Pathological findings confirmed a diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/18388437