Hypoadrenocorticism

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Sections available in full article Introduction, Presenting signs, Age predisposition, Pathogenesis, Etiology, Predisposing factors, Pathophysiology, Timecourse (incubation, duration), Diagnosis, Presenting problems, Client history, Clinical signs, Diagnostic investigation, Histopathology findings, Differential diagnosis, Treatment, Standard treatment, Monitoring, Subsequent management, Sequelae, Prognosis, Reasons for treatment failure, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Dr Carmel Mooney MVB MPhil DECVIM PhD MRCVS
Synonyms Addison's disease

Introduction

  • Very rare endocrine disease in cats.
  • Cause : insufficient mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid production.
  • Diagnosis : laboratory data (sodium: potassium ratio and ACTH stimulation test  ACTH stimulation test  ).
  • Treatment : hormonal replacement therapy.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

  • Depression/weakness.
  • Dehydration.
  • Hypothermia  Hypothermia  .
  • Weak pulse/slow capillary refill time.
  • Bradycardia.
  • Abdominal pain.

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis

  • Hemolysis of sample may falsely elevate [potassium] with some automated analyzers.
  • Acute renal failure  Kidney: acute renal failure  .

Causes of hypovolemia or shock

  • Gastrointestinal disease .
  • Chronic blood loss .
  • Repeated drainage of chylous and non-chylous pleural effusions  Pleural effusion  .

Sequelae

Prognosis

  • Excellent once adrenal crisis is controlled.

Reasons for treatment failure

  • Initial therapy and monitoring not sufficiently aggressive.
  • Owner not realizing importance of:
    • Lifelong therapy.
    • Regular monitoring.
    • Need to increase glucocorticoid dose during stress.

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Stonehewer J & Tasker S (2001)Hypoadrenocorticism in a cat.JSAP42, 186-190.
  • Peterson M E, Greco D S, Orth D N. (1989)Primary hypoadrenocorticism in ten cats.JVIM.3, 55-58.

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