Clinical features and long‐term management of cats with primary hypoadrenocorticism using desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisolone

• Published in: Journal of veterinary internal medicine 2023-03, Vol.37 (2), p.420-427
• Main Authors: Sieber‐Ruckstuhl, Nadja S., Harburger, Livia, Hofer, Natalie, Kümmerle, Claudia, Müller, Claudia, Riond, Barbara, Hofmann‐Lehmann, Regina, Reusch, Claudia E., Boretti, Felicitas S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abdomen; Addison Disease - drug therapy; Addison Disease - veterinary; Addison's disease; Adrenal glands; Adrenal Insufficiency - drug therapy; Adrenal Insufficiency - veterinary; Animals; Anorexia; Autoimmune diseases; Cat Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Cat Diseases - drug therapy; Cats; Creatinine; Desoxycorticosterone - therapeutic use; Dog Diseases - drug therapy; Dogs; Electrolytes; Endocrine disorders; feline; Hyperkalemia; Hyponatremia; Laboratories; mineralocorticoid; Neutrophils; Plasma; Polyuria; Potassium; Prednisolone - therapeutic use; SMALL ANIMAL; Sodium; Software; therapy; Ultrasonic imaging; Vomiting
• ISSN: 0891-6640; 1939-1676
• DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16658

Background Primary hypoadrenocorticism (PH) is rare in cats and knowledge about treatment is sparse. Objective To describe cats with PH with a focus on long‐term treatment. Animals Eleven cats with naturally occurring PH. Methods Descriptive case series with data on signalment, clinicopathological findings, adrenal width, and doses of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) and prednisolone during a follow‐up period of >12 months. Results Cats ranged from 2 to 10 years (median 6.5); 6 cats were British Shorthair. Most common signs were reduced general condition and lethargy, anorexia, dehydration, obstipation, weakness, weight loss, and hypothermia. Adrenal glands on ultrasonography were judged small in 6. Eight cats could be followed for 14 to 70 months (median: 28). Two were started on DOCP doses ≥2.2 mg/kg (2.2; 2.5) and 6