Chronic hypoglycaemia in a hunting dog clue to secondary hypoadrenocorticism

Abstract

A six-year-old neutered female pointer was referred for evaluation of seizures that occurred only in association with exercise. A tenacious ocular discharge was also evident and tear production was decreased bilaterally. Diagnostic testing revealed severe hypoglycaemia caused by secondary hypoadrenocorticism. Treatment was instituted with prednisone (5 mg, orally, once daily) and the seizures ceased. Tear production returned to normal without additional treatment. Glucocorticoid deficiency should be considered a cause of hypoglycaemic seizures once other, more common, causes have been ruled out.