Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association · 1996 · 55 citations · 0 references
MedicineEndocrinologyVeterinary PhysiologyCanine Internal MedicineFeline Internal MedicineNeuroendocrinologyAdrenal DisordersAdrenal EndocrinologyAdrenal HormonesElectrolyte BalanceElectrolyte DisordersElectrolyte HomeostasisActh DeficiencyActh Stimulation Test InterpretationAdrenal Insufficiency AssessmentAdrenal Insufficiency SyndromesAdrenal PathophysiologyAdrenocortical SecretionElectrolyte Disturbance DiagnosisSerum Electrolyte Measurement
Fourteen dogs diagnosed with Addison's disease and having atypical serum electrolyte levels are described. Seventy-eight percent were female, and most showed signs of inappetence, weakness, or vomiting. Ninety-three percent of the cases had either hyponatremia without hyperkalemia or normal serum electrolyte concentrations. Hemogram features were variable and were not useful in suggesting a diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. The results of this study show that normal or mild serum electrolyte changes in a dog with clinical signs compatible with Addison's disease should not exclude this diagnosis from consideration. Definitive diagnosis depends on the demonstration of inadequate adrenocortical response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation.