Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Generalized vitiligo in a dog with primary hypoadrenocorticism.
- Journal:
- Veterinary dermatology
- Year:
- 2015
- Authors:
- Malerba, Eleonora et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences · Italy
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old spayed female mixed-breed dog was diagnosed with Addison's disease, which is a condition where the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones. After starting treatment with specific medications, the dog developed a condition called vitiligo, where her fur lost its color and her skin showed lighter patches. This change happened three months after her Addison's diagnosis. The exact reason why this occurred is unclear, but it shows that dogs with immune-related issues can sometimes experience other immune-related problems as well. The treatment for Addison's disease was ongoing, but the development of vitiligo was a new and separate issue.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Vitiligo 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/OBJECTIVES: In this case report we describe a dog with primary hypoadrenocorticism that developed generalized vitiligo. CASE REPORT: A 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 IMPORTANCE: Dogs 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: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26104920/