Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hydrocortisone and fluids treat acute Addison's disease in dogs
By Gunn, E et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2016·School of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hydrocortisone in the management of acute hypoadrenocorticism in dogs: a retrospective series of 30 cases.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old female mixed breed dog was diagnosed with acute hypoadrenocorticism, a condition where the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones. She was treated with intravenous hydrocortisone and fluid therapy, which helped her recover quickly. All dogs in a similar study survived and showed improvement within two days, with most normalizing their potassium levels within 12 hours. The treatment was effective and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects.
People also search for: dog adrenal gland disease treatment · hypoadrenocorticism symptoms in dogs · hydrocortisone for dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to describe the efficacy, outcome and adverse effects of intravenous hydrocortisone and fluid therapy for the management of acute hypoadrenocorticism in dogs. METHODS: A retrospective review of dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism receiving intravenous hydrocortisone and fluid therapy was performed. RESULTS: Thirty newly-diagnosed dogs were included. There was an excellent clinical response, with all dogs surviving to discharge within a median of 2 days. In 23 cases with complete data, the mean rate of change of sodium over 24 hours was 0·48 (±0·28) mmol/L/hour, while the mean rate of change of potassium was -0·12 (±0·06) mmol/L/hour. Circulating potassium concentration normalised in 68·4% and 100% of cases of by 12 and 24 hours, respectively. Additional treatment for hyperkalaemia was not found necessary. Plasma sodium concentration increased by >12 mmol/L/24 hours on 7 of 23 (30·4%) occasions. One dog exhibited associated temporary neurological signs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Intravenous hydrocortisone infusion and fluid therapy for the management of acute hypoadrenocorticism is associated with a rapid resolution of hyperkalaemia and is well tolerated with few adverse effects. Regular electrolyte monitoring is required to ensure that rapid increases in sodium concentration are avoided.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27101159/