Hypoadrenocorticism in an aged cat

Fowlie, S. J., McKenzie, J. and Ramsey, I. (2018) Hypoadrenocorticism in an aged cat. Veterinary Record Case Reports, 6(1), e000565. (doi: 10.1136/vetreccr-2017-000565)

Abstract

A 13-year-old, female, neutered, domestic longhair cat was referred to the hospital with a two-month history of fluctuating weakness, lethargy, inappetence and intermittently soft stools. Physical examination noted variable mentation, mild tachycardia with poor pulse quality and a body condition score of 1/9. In-house haematology and biochemistry abnormalities included a mild neutrophilia, hyponatraemia, and decreased Na:K ratio of 24 and isosthenuric urine (1.012). The cat was admitted to the hospital for intravenous fluid therapy and management of its electrolyte abnormalities. A low basal cortisol (36 nmol/l) was found on analysis of a stored serum sample, and further investigations confirmed the diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. Treatment was implemented initially with hydrocortisone and dexamethasone and continued long term with desoxycorticosterone pivalate and oral prednisolone. More than one year since diagnosis, the cat is clinically well and stable on treatment.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McKenzie, Miss Jennifer and Ramsey, Professor Ian and Fowlie, Samuel
• Authors: Fowlie, S. J., McKenzie, J., and Ramsey, I.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Veterinary Record Case Reports
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• ISSN: 2052-6121
• ISSN (Online): 2052-6121
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 British Veterinary Association
• First Published: First published in Veterinary Record Case Reports 6(1):e000565
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher