TRAUMA-INDUCED HYPOADRENOCORTICISM IN A CAT

A 18-month-old Persian cat was presented after being hit by a car. Sur gery was performed to correct a luxated hip. Eight weeks after the ini tial accident, the cat became depressed and anorexic. A diaphragmatic hernia was detected and surgically repaired. Post-operatively, the cat remained depressed, which was exacerbated with discontinuation of its intravenous fluids. Haematology and serum biochemistry suggested a di agnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. Subsequent serum cortisol and ACTH mea surements and the response to treatment confirmed the diagnosis. The c ause of hypoadrenocorticism was thought likely to be due to previous t rauma to the adrenal glands or to their blood supply.