CANINE HYPOADRENOCORTICISM: LITERATURE REVIEW (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Hypoadrenocorticism (HA), also known as Addison's disease, is an endocrinopathy that affects the adrenal gland and is characterized by a deficiency in the production of glucocorticoids and/or mineralocorticoids, which are key hormones in the physiological regulation of the body. Defined as uncommon or apparently underdiagnosed, it mainly affects middle-aged castrated dogs. It is also classified according to its origin, as classic or atypical primary, due to destruction and atrophy of the adrenal cortex, and secondary, due to a reduction in the secretion of adrenocorticotrophic hormone. The clinical manifestations tend to be non-specific and variable, and the patient may present with anything from mild hyporexia, emesis and intermittent gastroenteritis to anorexia, lethargy, hypotension, shock and death. Diagnosis is made by combining clinical history, anamnesis and physical examination with imaging and laboratory tests. However, for definitive diagnosis, the hormonal stimulation test with ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone) is used, where positive dogs have a result below their reference. Treatment is based on the patient's general condition with appropriate support and exogenous hormone replacement. The aim of this review is to expand knowledge about the importance of this little-reported endocrinopathy, pointing out possible underlying causes, as well as formulating an assertive diagnosis, ruling out differentials and enabling the best therapeutic approach.