HYPOADRENOCORTICISM IN A PUPPY

Hypoadrenocorticism is an uncommon condition that has a variety of cli nical presentations, ranging from a life-threatening crisis to a chron ic, episodic illness. Anorexia, lethargy/depression, and vomiting are reported in more than 50% of the cases.(1-4) Less common signs include shaking/trembling, diarrhea, polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss. U nusual cases may be associated with gastrointestinal hemorrhage,(5) me gaesophagus,(8-8) or even seizures.(9) It is clear that no presentatio n is specific for hypoadrenocorticism; a lack of response to adrenocor ticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration is necessary for definitive d iagnosis. A small number of reported cases provides evidence that immu ne-mediated mechanisms, whether humoral or cell-mediated, are involved in the pathogenesis of canine hypoadrenocorticism. The majority of do gs with primary hypoadrenocorticism is female and over 1-1/2 years of age at the time of diagnosis. This report presents a case of primary h ypoadrenocorticism diagnosed in a male puppy.