Canine Hyperadrenocorticism Flashcards
What is the key enzyme that is present in the zone fasciculata and reticularis that is not present in the glomerulosa that synthesis cortisol?
17-alpha-hydroxylase
What are the 2 form of canine hyperadrenocorticism? Which form is more common?
Pituitary vs adrenal dependent
PDH is more common (80-85%) & 90% have a detectable pituitary tumour
Other than CRH, what else can stimulate ACTH secretion?
- dopamine
- cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha)
- leptin
- AVP
- Angiotensin II
What inhibits CRH secretion?
- glucocorticoids (negative feedback loop) = dominant one
What are the 2 theories of PDH in dogs?
- Hypothalamic theory (not widely accepted)
- excessive CRH secretion and vasopressin + defective cortisol receptor - Pituitary (monoclonal) - accepted and supported
- single somatic mutation of a corticotroph leading to tumour
Can cytology ddx between adrenal adenoma vs carcinoma?
No
What are some features that would be more consistent with an adrenal carcinoma?
- > 2cm
- vascular invasion
- broken through the capsule
- down regulation of ACTH receptor
What are some common urinary signs of dogs with hyperadrenocorticism?
- PU/PD
- UTI
- overflow incontinence
Steroid can interfere with ADH, leading to PU
The dilute urine, urine retention and immunosuppression = increased risk of UTI
What are some common non-urinary signs of dogs with hyperadrenocorticism?
- polyphagia
- 5-10% develop diabetes mellitus
- pot-bellied appearance –> combination of weakened muscle, hepatomegaly and large urinary bladder, redistribution of peripheral fat to mesentery
- muscle weakness = catabolic effect of glucocorticoids
- excessive panting –> decreased pulmonary compliance, pulmonary hypertension, respiratory muscle weakness, or direct effect of glucocorticoids on the respiration centre
- pulmonary thromboembolism = rare complication
What are some CNS of dogs with hyperadrenocorticism?
Due to pituitary macroadenoma (10-25% dogs with PDH)
- most common signs = moderate to severe lethargy
- others: aimless wandering, decrease appetite/ anorexia, stupor, circling, ataxia, change in behaviour, seizures
What are some uncommon signs of dogs with hyperadrenocorticism?
- Cushing’s psuedomyotonia –> stiff gait, dog “hops”
- ligament laxity (plantigrade stance)
- facial nerve paralysis, anestrus, testicle atrophy, thromboembolism due to hypercoagulopathy (FAT can invade in the phrenicoabdominal vein, caudal vena cava, or both)
What are some common physical exam abnormalities noted for dogs with hyperadrenocorticism?
Common:
- pot belly
- bilateral symmetrical alopecia
- thin skin, hyperpigmentation
- comedone
- pyoderma
What’s the pathogenesis of calcinosis cutis?
Calcinosis cutis = irregular plagues in/under skin. Mostly in the dorsal neck/ midline, ventral abdomen, inguinal regions or temporalis region
- due to gluconeogenic and protein catabolic mechanisms of glucocorticoids –> rearrangement of protein structures –> formation of organic matrix that attracts and binds Ca2+, forming apatite crystals
How does HAC effect sexually intact dogs?
Less common signs
- testicular atrophy and anestrous
- due to glucocorticoid negative feedback on the synthesis and secretion of FSH and LH
Can HAC dogs be acutely ill?
Yes!
- severe lethargy, weakness, pale mucus membranes, pain
- may be due to rupture of the adrenal mass
What are some CBC changes typically noted for dogs with HAC?
- lymphopenia
- eosinopenia (bone marrow sequestration)
- monocytosis, neutrophilia (steroid-enhanced capillary margination)
- thrombocytosis, mild erythrocytosis (direct bone marrow stimulation or ventilation response)
What are is the common biochem change for dogs with HAC?
Most common (85-95%) = marked increase in ALP
- ALT: mild to moderate increase
- Cholesterol/ triglycerides: mild to moderate increase, seen in > 50% of HAC dogs
How does HAC influence blood sugar level?
- mild hyperglycemia: due to the gluconeogenic nature, and decreased peripheral glucose utilization by interfering insulin action at a cellular level (receptor/ post receptor) level
- abdominal fat and adipokines also play a role in insulin resistance