Hypoadrenocorticism in dogs

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Hypoadrenocorticism in dogs
Other namesadrenal insufficiency, hypocortisolism
Specialty Veterinary medicine

Hypoadrenocorticism in dogs, or, as it is known in people, Addison's disease , is an endocrine system disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce enough hormones for normal function. The adrenal glands secrete glucocorticoids such as cortisol [1] and mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone; [2] when proper amounts of these are not produced, the metabolic and electrolyte balance is upset. [3] Mineralocorticoids control the amount of potassium, sodium, and water in the body. [4] [5] [ citation needed ] Hypoadrenocorticism is fatal if left untreated. [6]

Contents

The most common cause of inadequate adrenal production is idiopathic adrenocortical atrophy. [7] All causes for hypoadrenocorticism are not yet known. The usual causes are genetic, often related to autoimmune disorders, where the body attacks and kill its own tissue ("immune mediated destruction"). [8] Other cases are caused by various disease processes, [8] [9] [10] including failure of the pituitary gland to secrete ACTH, the hormone which stimulates the adrenal production of cortisol. [5]

Hypoadrenocorticism is more frequent in dogs than in humans; in fact, it may occur one hundred times more often in the canine population. It mostly affects young to middle-aged female dogs, [9] as the average age at diagnosis being four years old (although it has been found in puppies and dogs up to twelve years old). About seventy percent of dogs that are diagnosed with hypoadrenocorticism are female. [9] Hypoadrenocorticism is still relatively uncommon or underdiagnosed in dogs. Statistics gathered from a large veterinary hospital placed the number at 0.36 dogs per 1000. For an average veterinary practice with two veterinarians and 1500 canine patients, this would mean an average of one diagnosis of the disease each year. [9] [11]

Signs and symptoms

The most common clinical manifestations are related to mental status and gastrointestinal function; they include lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, weight loss, and weakness. Additional findings may include dehydration, bradycardia, weak femoral pulses, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, tremors or shaking, muscle weakness, low body temperature, collapse, and pain in the hindquarters. [8] [12] Polyuria and polydipsia, diarrhea, and shivering are occasionally reported.

Hypoglycemia can also be present, and initially may be confused with a seizure disorder or an insulin-secreting pancreatic tumor (insulinoma). Hypoadrenocorticism may also be misdiagnosed as food poisoning, parvovirus enteritis, gastric volvulus, or spinal/joint problems, earning this disease nicknames like "the Great Mimic" and "the Great Imitator". [13] It is possible not to see any signs of the disease until 90% of the adrenal cortex is no longer functioning. [14]

Addisonian crisis

If hyponatremia (low sodium) and hyperkalemia (high potassium) are severe, the resulting hypovolemia, prerenal azotemia, and cardiac arrhythmias may result in an Addisonian crisis. In severe cases, the patient may be presented in shock and moribund. Addisonian crisis must be differentiated from other life-threatening disorders such as diabetic ketoacidosis, necrotizing pancreatitis, and septic peritonitis. [15]

Causes

Layers of the adrenal cortex (the outer portion of the adrenal gland) Gray1185.png
Layers of the adrenal cortex (the outer portion of the adrenal gland)

The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys. The adrenal outer layer, or cortex, has three layers; each produces a specific type of steroid. [4] [13]

Layers of the adrenal cortex [16] [ citation needed ]
LayerType of steroid producedExample
Zona glomerulosaMineralocorticoidsaldosterone
Zona fasciculataGlucocorticoidscortisol
Zona reticularisSex steroids (androgens)

Primary

Primary disease: problem with the adrenal glands. Anatomy and physiology of animals Adrenal glands.jpg
Primary disease: problem with the adrenal glands.

Primary adrenocortical insufficiency is the more common form of hypoadrenocorticism. All layers of the adrenal gland stop functioning; the problem is with the adrenal gland. [8] This causes a deficiency of both mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid secretion. Most cases are classified as idiopathic, although immune-mediated adrenocortical destruction is a likely cause. Bilateral destruction of the adrenal cortex by neoplasia (e.g. lymphosarcoma), granulomatous disease, or arterial thrombosis can also cause primary adrenocortical insufficiency. The destruction is progressive, although variable in rate, ultimately leading to complete loss of adrenocorotical function. A partial deficiency syndrome may occur initially, with signs manifested only during times of stress (e.g., boarding, travel, surgery).

Secondary

Secondary disease: problem with the anterior pituitary. Pituitary gland representation.PNG
Secondary disease: problem with the anterior pituitary.

In secondary hypoadrenocorticism the problem is not in the adrenal gland but in the pituitary gland. Usually, the anterior portion of the pituitary gland produces a hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), that signals the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis to produce their steroids. When the pituitary is unable to produce ACTH, these zones stop production of their hormones. The zona glomerulosa is not controlled by ACTH, and remains able to produce a normal amount of mineralocorticoids. [8] A dog with secondary hypoadrenocorticism only needs to have medication to replace the glucocorticoid steroid cortisol. [9] [13] [17] One dog in every 42 diagnosed with hypoadrenocorticism has the secondary form of the disease where mineralocorticoid production remains intact. [13]

Secondary adrenocortical insufficiency involves only a deficiency of glucocorticoid secretion. Destructive lesions (e.g. neoplasia, inflammation) in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus and chronic administration of exogenous glucocorticoids or megestrol acetate (cats) are the most common causes. [18]

Drug induced

Drug induced (iatrogenic) hypoadrenocorticism is caused during abrupt cessation of a steroid medication. [16] [19] During steroid treatment, the adrenal glands do not function fully. The body senses the levels of the exogenous steroids in the system and therefore does not signal for additional production. [13] The usual protocol for stopping steroid medications is not to eliminate them suddenly, but to withdraw from them gradually in a "tapering off" process, which allows the production to adjust to normal. If steroids are abruptly withdrawn, the dormant adrenal glands may not able to reactivate, and the body will need to have its adrenal glucocorticoid hormones replaced by medication. [13]

Diagnosis

Hypoadrenocorticism is often tentatively diagnosed on the basis of history, physical findings, clinical pathology, and, for primary adrenal insufficiency, characteristic electrolyte abnormalities. [20]

The ACTH stimulation test does not distinguish between primary and secondary hypoadrenocorticism, or adrenocortical destruction caused by mitotane overdose. Differentiation between primary and secondary hypoadrenocorticism can be made by periodically measuring serum electrolytes, baseline endogenous ACTH, or possibly serum or plasma aldosterone during the ACTH stimulation test. While most corticosteroid drugs will invalidate the results of an ACTH test, dexamethasone may be used in the event of an Addison's emergency without fear of compromising the results of the test. [24]

In general, hypoadrenocorticism is underdiagnosed in dogs, [ citation needed ] and one must have a clinical suspicion of it as an underlying disorder for many presenting complaints. Females are overrepresented (~70% of cases), [13] and the disease often appears in middle age (four to seven years), although any age or gender may be affected. [25] Dogs with hypoadrenocorticism may also have one of several autoimmune disorders. [25] Because it is an endocrine disorder, they may also have neuropathy and some endocrine-related eye diseases. [26]

Addisonian crisis

If deterioration of the adrenal glands progresses far enough, a dog may experience an Addisonian crisis, an acute episode during which potassium levels increase (hyperkalemia), disrupting normal functions of the heart. [27] Arrhythmia can result and blood pressure may drop to dangerously low levels, while the dog's kidneys may cease to function properly. [4] [5] [28] [29] Some 35% of canine Addison's cases are diagnosed as the result of an Addisonian crisis. It is a medical emergency. [8] [14] [17] [30]

Whipworms

Dogs with infected with the whipworm Trichuris trichiura can exhibit low sodium and high potassium values, as is seen in hypoadrenocorticism; however, their ACTH values are normal. [13] [27]

Pacific Rim

Breeds that began in the Pacific Rim, among them Akitas and Shiba Inus, tend to have higher potassium values in laboratory test, and elevated levels are not abnormal. Dogs who do not have hypoadrenocorticism have normal values on ACTH tests. [13] [27]

Treatment

Aggressiveness of therapy depends on the clinical status of the patient and the nature of the insufficiency (glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, or both). Many dogs and cats with primary adrenal insufficiency are presented in Addisonian crisis and require immediate, aggressive therapy. In contrast, secondary insufficiency often has a chronic course.

Hypoadrenocorticism is treated with oral daily administration of fludrocortisone (trade name Florinef) [31] [32] or a monthly injection of desoxycorticosterone pivalate, DOCP (Percorten-V or Zycortal) [33] [34] [35] [36] and daily prednisone or prednisolone. One drug is needed to supplement mineralcortidoids and the other to supplement corticosteroids. This effectively replaces what the adrenal cortex is failing to produce. Routine blood work is necessary in the initial stages until a maintenance dose is established. [8] Most of the medications used in the therapy of hypoadrenocorticism cause excessive thirst and urination. It is absolutely vital to provide fresh drinking water for a canine with this disorder. [12]

If the owner knows about an upcoming stressful situation (shows, traveling etc.), the animals generally need an increased dose of prednisone (2-4 times maintenance) to help deal with the added stress. Avoidance of stress is important for dogs with hypoadrenocorticism. Physical illness also stresses the body and may mean that the medication(s) need to be adjusted during this time. [37] Most dogs with hypoadrenocorticism have an excellent prognosis after proper stabilization and treatment. [14] [17]

Addisonian crisis

Treatment is directed towards (1) correcting hypotension, hypovolemia, electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic acidosis; (2) improving vascular integrity, and (3) providing an immediate source of glucocorticoids. Rapid correction of hypovolemia is the first priority.

Restoring blood volume is vital to correcting hypotension, hypovolemia, and addressing electrolyte and metabolic imbalances. This is achieved by the rapid administration of fluids. This helps to correct hyponatremia, restore perfusion to organs, and reduce hyperkalemia through increased GFR and dilution effects. Further treatment of hyperkalemia is addressed if necessary. Often, the fluid therapy can sufficiently address hyperkalemia, but in the presence of significant cardiac abnormalities, the addition of calcium gluconate may be necessary in addition to glucose, insulin, or bicarb to promote intracellular shift of potassium. [7]

Most patients show dramatic improvement within 24 to 48 hours of appropriate fluid and glucocorticoid therapy. Over the ensuing 2 to 4 days, a gradual transition from IV fluids to oral water and food is undertaken, and maintenance mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid therapy is initiated. Failure to make this transition smoothly should raise suspicion of insufficient glucocorticoid supplementation, concurrent endocrinopathy (e.g. hypothyroidism), or concurrent illness (especially renal damage).

It is important that after the crisis is corrected that the patient is put on a maintenance therapy of corticosteroids and mineralocorticoids.

Epidemiology

Hypoadrenocorticism is typically a disease of young to middle-aged female dogs, although Standard Poodles and Bearded Collies of both sexes are prone to the condition. [38]

Hypoadrenocorticism is an inherited disease in the following breeds (and therefore a higher proportion of dogs within these breeds are affected, compared to other breeds): [39]

Some breeds are at increased risk of hypoadrenocorticism:

Some breeds have a reduced risk of hypoadrenocorticism: [39]

History

The first case of hypoadrenocorticism in dogs was recorded in 1953, over 100 years after it was described in humans by Thomas Addison. [40]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adrenal gland</span> Endocrine gland

The adrenal glands are endocrine glands that produce a variety of hormones including adrenaline and the steroids aldosterone and cortisol. They are found above the kidneys. Each gland has an outer cortex which produces steroid hormones and an inner medulla. The adrenal cortex itself is divided into three main zones: the zona glomerulosa, the zona fasciculata and the zona reticularis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adrenocorticotropic hormone</span> Pituitary hormone

Adrenocorticotropic hormone is a polypeptide tropic hormone produced by and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It is also used as a medication and diagnostic agent. ACTH is an important component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and is often produced in response to biological stress. Its principal effects are increased production and release of cortisol and androgens by the zona fasiculata and zona reticularis, respectively. ACTH is also related to the circadian rhythm in many organisms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cushing's syndrome</span> Symptoms from excessive exposure to glucocorticoids such as cortisol

Cushing's syndrome is a collection of signs and symptoms due to prolonged exposure to glucocorticoids such as cortisol. Signs and symptoms may include high blood pressure, abdominal obesity but with thin arms and legs, reddish stretch marks, a round red face due to facial plethora, a fat lump between the shoulders, weak muscles, weak bones, acne, and fragile skin that heals poorly. Women may have more hair and irregular menstruation. Occasionally there may be changes in mood, headaches, and a chronic feeling of tiredness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adrenal cortex</span> Cortex of the adrenal gland

The adrenal cortex is the outer region and also the largest part of the adrenal gland. It is divided into three separate zones: zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and zona reticularis. Each zone is responsible for producing specific hormones. It is also a secondary site of androgen synthesis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cortisol</span> Human natural glucocorticoid hormone

Cortisol is a steroid hormone, in the glucocorticoid class of hormones and a stress hormone. When used as a medication, it is known as hydrocortisone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Addison's disease</span> Endocrine disorder

Addison's disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is a rare long-term endocrine disorder characterized by inadequate production of the steroid hormones cortisol and aldosterone by the two outer layers of the cells of the adrenal glands, causing adrenal insufficiency. Symptoms generally come on slowly and insidiously and may include abdominal pain and gastrointestinal abnormalities, weakness, and weight loss. Darkening of the skin in certain areas may also occur. Under certain circumstances, an adrenal crisis may occur with low blood pressure, vomiting, lower back pain, and loss of consciousness. Mood changes may also occur. Rapid onset of symptoms indicates acute adrenal failure, which is a clinical emergency. An adrenal crisis can be triggered by stress, such as from an injury, surgery, or infection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aldosterone</span> Mineralocorticoid steroid hormone

Aldosterone is the main mineralocorticoid steroid hormone produced by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex in the adrenal gland. It is essential for sodium conservation in the kidney, salivary glands, sweat glands, and colon. It plays a central role in the homeostatic regulation of blood pressure, plasma sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+) levels. It does so primarily by acting on the mineralocorticoid receptors in the distal tubules and collecting ducts of the nephron. It influences the reabsorption of sodium and excretion of potassium (from and into the tubular fluids, respectively) of the kidney, thereby indirectly influencing water retention or loss, blood pressure, and blood volume. When dysregulated, aldosterone is pathogenic and contributes to the development and progression of cardiovascular and kidney disease. Aldosterone has exactly the opposite function of the atrial natriuretic hormone secreted by the heart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adrenal insufficiency</span> Medical condition

Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones. The adrenal glands—also referred to as the adrenal cortex—normally secrete glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. These hormones are important in regulating blood pressure, electrolytes, and metabolism as a whole. Deficiency of these hormones leads to symptoms ranging from abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle weakness and fatigue, low blood pressure, depression, mood and personality changes to organ failure and shock. Adrenal crisis may occur if a person having adrenal insufficiency experiences stresses, such as an accident, injury, surgery, or severe infection; this is a life-threatening medical condition resulting from severe deficiency of cortisol in the body. Death may quickly follow.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia</span> Medical condition

Lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia is an endocrine disorder that is an uncommon and potentially lethal form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). It arises from defects in the earliest stages of steroid hormone synthesis: the transport of cholesterol into the mitochondria and the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone—the first step in the synthesis of all steroid hormones. Lipoid CAH causes mineralocorticoid deficiency in affected infants and children. Male infants are severely undervirilized causing their external genitalia to look feminine. The adrenals are large and filled with lipid globules derived from cholesterol.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hypoaldosteronism</span> Medical condition

Hypoaldosteronism is an endocrinological disorder characterized by decreased levels of the hormone aldosterone. Similarly, isolated hypoaldosteronism is the condition of having lowered aldosterone without corresponding changes in cortisol.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency</span> Medical condition

Adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency is a rare disorder characterized by secondary adrenal insufficiency with minimal or no cortisol production and normal pituitary hormone secretion apart from ACTH. ACTH deficiency may be congenital or acquired, and its symptoms are clinically similar to those of glucocorticoid deficiency. Symptoms consist of weight loss, diminished appetite, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, and hypotension. Low blood sugar and hyponatremia are possible; however, blood potassium levels typically remain normal because affected patients are deficient in glucocorticoids rather than mineralocorticoids because of their intact renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. ACTH may be undetectable in blood tests, and cortisol is abnormally low. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy is required. With the exception of stressful situations, some patients with mild or nearly asymptomatic disease may not require glucocorticoid replacement therapy. As of 2008 about two hundred cases have been described in the literature.

In humans and other animals, the adrenocortical hormones are hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, the outer region of the adrenal gland. These polycyclic steroid hormones have a variety of roles that are crucial for the body's response to stress, and they also regulate other functions in the body. Threats to homeostasis, such as injury, chemical imbalances, infection, or psychological stress, can initiate a stress response. Examples of adrenocortical hormones that are involved in the stress response are aldosterone and cortisol. These hormones also function in regulating the conservation of water by the kidneys and glucose metabolism, respectively.

An insulin tolerance test (ITT) is a medical diagnostic procedure during which insulin is injected into a patient's vein, after which blood glucose is measured at regular intervals. This procedure is performed to assess pituitary function, adrenal function, insulin sensitivity, and sometimes for other purposes. An ITT is usually ordered and interpreted by an endocrinologist.

The ACTH test is a medical test usually requested and interpreted by endocrinologists to assess the functioning of the adrenal glands' stress response by measuring the adrenal response to adrenocorticotropic hormone or another corticotropic agent such as tetracosactide or alsactide (Synchrodyn). ACTH is a hormone produced in the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and aldosterone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adrenal crisis</span> Medical condition

Adrenal crisis, also known as Addisonian crisis or acute adrenal insufficiency, is a serious, life-threatening complication of adrenal insufficiency. Hypotension, or hypovolemic shock, is the main symptom of adrenal crisis. Other symptoms include weakness, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, abnormal electrolytes, confusion, and coma. Laboratory testing may detect lymphocytosis, eosinophilia, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, and occasionally, hypercalcemia.

Critical illness–related corticosteroid insufficiency is a form of adrenal insufficiency in critically ill patients who have blood corticosteroid levels which are inadequate for the severe stress response they experience. Combined with decreased glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity and tissue response to corticosteroids, this adrenal insufficiency constitutes a negative prognostic factor for intensive care patients.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adrenal gland disorder</span> Medical condition

Adrenal gland disorders are conditions that interfere with the normal functioning of the adrenal glands. Your body produces too much or too little of one or more hormones when you have an adrenal gland dysfunction. The type of issue you have and the degree to which it affects your body's hormone levels determine the symptoms.

Glucocorticoid remediable aldosteronism also describable as aldosterone synthase hyperactivity, is an autosomal dominant disorder in which the increase in aldosterone secretion produced by ACTH is no longer transient.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adrenocorticotropic hormone (medication)</span> Chemical compound

Adrenocorticotropic hormone is used as a medication and as diagnostic agent in the ACTH stimulation test.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adrenalism</span>

Adrenalism describes the condition of an excessive or substandard secretion of hormones related to the adrenal glands, which are found directly superior to the kidneys. Adrenalism can be further distinguished as hyperadrenalism, referring to the excessive secretion of hormones, and hypoadrenalism, referring to the insufficient secretion of hormones.

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