TRAUMATICALLY INDUCED HYPOADRENOCORTICISM IN A CAT

A 10-year-old spayed female cat was presented for evaluation following an attack by a dog. The cat sustained a diaphragmatic hernia which wa s repaired surgically. During exploratory laparotomy, severe bilateral perirenal and retroperitoneal hemorrhage was noted, as was a tom righ t renal capsule. Postoperatively the cat became anorectic with concurr ent weight loss. A serum chemistry profile was performed and suggestiv e of hypoadrenocorticism, which was confirmed with an ACTH stimulation test An endogenous ACTH assay was above normal. The cat was treated w ith fludrocortisone and prednisone. Electrolytes were monitored, and t he cat subsequently was tapered off all medications. Follow-up ACTH st imulation test results indicated a normal basal cortisol level. The re sponse was inadequate; however the cat maintains normal basal circulat ing cortisol levels and appears to have reestablished at least partial ly normal adrenal function.