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Neurological signs due to hypoadrenocorticism in two dogs
Author(s) -
Santifort Koen M,
Kooistra Hans S,
Mandigers Paul JJ
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-2018-000669
Subject(s) - medicine , paresis , ataxia , weakness , tetraparesis , disease , paralysis , pediatrics , surgery , pathology , magnetic resonance imaging , radiology , psychiatry
Primary hypoadrenocorticism, also known as Addison’s disease and nicknamed ‘the great pretender’, is a rare disease in dogs and has been sporadically documented in cats. Documented cases of confirmed hypoadrenocorticism as a cause of neurological signs are limited. This report describes two cases of hypoadrenocorticism primarily referred for neurological signs. In case 1, neurological signs consisted of generalised neuromuscular weakness/paresis. The very noticeable tetraparesis (paraparesis most apparent) in case 2 is an example of the generalised paresis that may be a consequence of hypoadrenocorticism. Both cases responded to treatment for hypoadrenocorticism with resolution of neurological signs. In conclusion, hypoadrenocorticism should be considered a differential diagnosis for dogs presented with neurological signs of (generalised neuromuscular) weakness/paresis (manifesting as a ‘wobbly gait’ which is easily confused with ataxia), especially when signs are long‐standing or vaguely defined.