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Hypoadrenocorticism in an aged cat
Author(s) -
Fowlie Samuel J,
McKenzie Jennifer,
Ramsey Ian
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
veterinary record case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.165
H-Index - 4
ISSN - 2052-6121
DOI - 10.1136/vetreccr-2017-000565
Subject(s) - medicine , lethargy , neutrophilia , prednisolone , hydrocortisone , dexamethasone , physical examination , basal (medicine) , tachycardia , depression (economics) , pediatrics , insulin , economics , macroeconomics
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.