Dog with low adrenal function causing vomiting and low blood sugar

Abstract

Hypoadrenocorticism is an uncommon endocrinopathy which leads to nonspecific, chronic and progressive clinical signs, varying according to the intensity of the disease. The present paper reports the case of a dog with signs of anorexia, greenish-yellow emesis, hypodipsia, hypoglycemia, mild dehydration, abdominal pain and body score 8, which underwent medical care in a private veterinary clinic located in Itu, São Paulo. Laboratory tests were within reference values, but abdominal ultrasonography revealed adrenal gland hypoplasia. Therefore, the patient was referred to an endocrinologist with the diagnostic hypothesis of hypoadrenocorticism and a veterinary nutritionist due to his persistent obesity. Laboratory tests were performed, sodium: potassium ratio and ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone) test, which confirmed the diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. The prescribed treatment was fludrocortisone acetate, prednisolone, bezafibrate and silymarin, in which the patient had a considerable improvement in his clinical condition and post-treatment tests. It was concluded that the clinical signs presented, laboratory tests, hormonal dosages and ultrasonographic evaluation were imperative factors for the early diagnosis of this reported case.