Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with septic shock and low cortisol improves with hydrocortisone
By Peyton, Jamie L & Burkitt, Jamie M·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2009·Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency in a dog with septic shock.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog with aspiration pneumonia developed severe low blood pressure due to septic shock, which didn't respond to standard treatments. Tests showed that the dog's adrenal glands weren't producing enough cortisol, a condition known as critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI). After receiving hydrocortisone, the dog's blood pressure improved within two hours, and they were able to stop using other medications to support blood pressure within eight hours. The dog fully recovered and was sent home, with follow-up tests showing normal adrenal function a month later.
People also search for: dog low blood pressure treatment · septic shock in dogs · hydrocortisone for dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of hydrocortisone-responsive hypotension and critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) in a dog with septic shock. CASE SUMMARY: A dog with aspiration pneumonia developed septic shock with pressor-refractory hypotension. A standard ACTH stimulation test was performed that showed a blunted cortisol response consistent with CIRCI. Reversal of shock was achieved within 2 hours of hydrocortisone administration, and complete weaning from pressors was accomplished over the subsequent 8 hours. The patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital. An ACTH stimulation test performed 1 month after hospital discharge showed normal adrenal responsiveness consistent with resolution of CIRCI. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This case is the first published report of hydrocortisone-responsive hypotension and transient CIRCI associated with naturally occurring septic shock in a dog.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19691511/