Atypical Addison's disease in the dog: a retrospective survey of 14 cases

Fourteen dogs diagnosed with Addison's disease and having atypical serum electrolyte levels are described. Seventy-eight percent were female, and most showed signs of inappetence, weakness, or vomiting. Ninety-three percent of the cases had either hyponatremia without hyperkalemia or normal serum electrolyte concentrations. Hemogram features were variable and were not useful in suggesting a diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. The results of this study show that normal or mild serum electrolyte changes in a dog with clinical signs compatible with Addison's disease should not exclude this diagnosis from consideration. Definitive diagnosis depends on the demonstration of inadequate adrenocortical response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation.

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				L. Nielsen, R. Bell, A. Zoia, D. J. Mellor, R. Neiger, and I. Ramsey Low ratios of sodium to potassium in the serum of 238 dogs Vet Rec., April 5, 2008; 162(14): 431 - 435. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]