Hypoadrenocorticism

Question 1

What is the pathophysiology of hypoadrenocorticism?

Answer 1

Reduced glucocorticoid activity = mucosal damage of GIT - Impaired muscle function - Impared CVS integrity - disrupted nutrient homoeostasis
Reduced mineralocorticoid activity = impaired Na/K exchange in DCT - hypovolemia

Question 2

In a collapsed dog, what should be present in the leukogram? What does it’s absence indicate?

Answer 2

Stress leukogram - Unable to respond due to reduced cortisol

Question 3

What does diagnosis of Hypoadrenocorticism involve? What would the results be?

Answer 3

ACTH stimulation test - subnormal cortisol before and after ACTH

Question 4

In an acute hypoadrenocorticism patient, what would treatment involve?

Answer 4

Supportive fluid therapy and then hormone supplementation (has glucocorticoid and mineralcorticoid activity) through parentally administration

Question 5

What drugs can be used to treat chronic cases of hypoadrencorticism?

Answer 5

Fludrocortisone (with glucocorticoid supplement) - Cortisone acetate - Prednisolone

Question 6

Why can it be dangerous using prednisolone in smaller animals as a glucocorticoid supplement?

Answer 6

5x efficiency of natural cortisol, easy to overdose