Comparison between typical primary and eunatraemic, eukalaemic hypoadrenocorticism: 92 cases

Naturally occurring hypoadrenocorticism is an uncommon endocrine disorder in dogs but has significant morbidity and mortality. Some dogs present with apparent glucocorticoid deficiency alone as evidenced by eunatraemia and eukalaemia. Few studies have compared dogs with hypoadrenocorticism with or without electrolyte disturbances and there are no large case series of affected dogs from Ireland.

Retrospective observational study.

Ninety-two cases diagnosed with hypoadrenocorticism subdivided into those with supportive electrolyte disturbances (Group 1; n = 72) and those without (Group 2; n = 20). Dogs in Group 1 were significantly (p = 0.001) younger (4.0 (3.0–6.0) years) than dogs in Group 2 (6.0 (4.75–8.25) years). Dogs in Group 1 presented significantly more commonly with vomiting (Group 1: 52/71 (73.2%), Group 2: 6/20 (30.0%); p < 0.001), total hyperproteinaemia (Group 1: 21/71 (29.6%), Group 2: 1/20 (5.0%); p = 0.023), increased urea (Group 1: 52/72 (72.2%), Group 2: 5/20 (25.0%); p < 0.001), increased creatinine (Group 1: 31/72 (43.1%), Group 2: 3/20 (15.0%); p = 0.021) and hyperphosphataemia (Group 1: 40/71 (56.3%), Group 2: 2/20 (10.0%); p < 0.001), and significantly less commonly with reticulocytosis (Group 1: 4/38 (10.5%), Group 2: 5/13 (38.5%), p = 0.023). An undetectable basal aldosterone concentration had a positive predictive value of 94.3% for diagnosing undetectable post-ACTH aldosterone concentration. Of the thirteen dogs in Group 2 that had aldosterone concentrations measured and secondary disease excluded, 7 (53.8%) had or subsequently developed evidence of aldosterone deficiency, although not always with electrolyte abnormalities.

Dogs with hypoadrenocorticism from Ireland are similar to other reported cases. An undetectable basal aldosterone concentration is highly predictive of mineralocorticoid deficiency. Dogs with apparent glucocorticoid deficiency alone can progress to more typical disease and should be monitored appropriately.