Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Atypical Addison's disease in the dog: a retrospective survey of 14 cases.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 1996
- Authors:
- Sadek, D & Schaer, M
- Affiliation:
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
This study looked at 14 dogs diagnosed with Addison's disease, a condition where the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones. Most of these dogs were female and showed signs like eating less than usual, weakness, or vomiting. Interestingly, many had normal or slightly abnormal electrolyte levels, which are minerals in the blood that can indicate health issues. The researchers found that just because a dog has normal electrolyte levels, it doesn't mean they can't have Addison's disease. To confirm the diagnosis, a specific test that checks how well the adrenal glands respond to a hormone called ACTH is needed.
Abstract
Fourteen dogs diagnosed with Addison's disease and having atypical serum electrolyte levels are described. Seventy-eight percent were female, and most showed signs of inappetence, weakness, or vomiting. Ninety-three percent of the cases had either hyponatremia without hyperkalemia or normal serum electrolyte concentrations. Hemogram features were variable and were not useful in suggesting a diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. The results of this study show that normal or mild serum electrolyte changes in a dog with clinical signs compatible with Addison's disease should not exclude this diagnosis from consideration. Definitive diagnosis depends on the demonstration of inadequate adrenocortical response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8680923/