Hipoadrenocorticismo em cão - relato de Caso

Abstract

Hypoadrenocorticism is an uncommon condition in dogs. It is most often caused by immune-mediated destruction of the adrenal glands, resulting in decreased production of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. Hypoadrenocorticism causes a wide range of clinical symptoms, including gastrointestinal disturbances, weakness, weight loss, and hypovolemia. Laboratory and diagnostic findings vary, but classic abnormalities include hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, azotemia, anemia, and lack of a stress WBC. However, many other diseases have similar symptoms and diagnostic findings. Definitive diagnosis requires adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test to demonstrate low basal and post-ACTH cortisol levels. The prognosis for hypoadrenocorticism is good with adequate mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid supplementation. This paper presents a case report of a 5-year-old female dog treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, with nonspecific complaints of prostration, vomiting and loss of appetite. She was dehydrated, onset of hypotension, abdominal pain, increased capillary filling time. Laboratory findings include anemia, eosinophilia, pre-renal azotemia, sodium potassium ratio 19 and basal cortisol less than 1µg/dl and imaging findings include decreased size of the adrenal glands. With the clinical signs, history and complementary findings, the animal was diagnosed with hypoadrenocorticism and then treatment for Addisonian crisis was started and, after stabilization, the lifetime treatment of hormone replacement with fludrocortisone and prednisone.