Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with Addison's disease develops widespread skin whitening
By Malerba, Eleonora et al.·Published in Veterinary Dermatology·2015·Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences University of Bologna Via Tolara di Sopra 50 Ozzano dell'Emilia 40064 Italy, Italy·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Generalized vitiligo in a dog with primary hypoadrenocorticism
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old spayed female cross-bred dog was diagnosed with Addison's disease, which is a condition where the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones. After starting treatment with medications, the dog developed vitiligo, a condition that causes loss of skin pigment, resulting in a lighter coat color. The vet confirmed the diagnosis of vitiligo through skin tests. While the cause of this combination of conditions wasn't determined, the dog was treated successfully for Addison's disease and monitored for the skin changes.
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Abstract
BackgroundVitiligo is presumed to be an autoimmune disorder in the dog; primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) is associated with immune‐mediated destruction of the adrenal cortex.Hypothesis/ObjectivesIn this case report we describe a dog with primary hypoadrenocorticism that developed generalized vitiligo.Case reportA 4‐year‐old spayed female cross‐bred dog developed signs of Addison's disease and this was confirmed by biochemical testing; the dog was treated with fludrocortisone acetate and then desoxycorticosterone pivalate. Three months after the diagnosis, the dog developed depigmentation of the whole hair coat and of several focal areas of the skin. Histopathological findings were consistent with vitiligo.Conclusions and clinical importanceDogs with immune‐mediated disease may develop other manifestations of immune‐mediated disease, including a combination of Addison's disease and vitiligo. The cause in this case was not determined.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.12228