Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026
08:02
Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
Published on: April 25, 2016
Primary hypoadrenocorticism in a dog receiving glucocorticoid supplementation
1Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph.
Summary
A dog was diagnosed with hypoadrenocorticism, a rare endocrine disorder affecting hormone production. Diagnosis required a specific test due to subtle symptoms and prior medication.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Canine Health
Background:
- Hypoadrenocorticism, or Addison's disease, is an uncommon endocrine disorder in dogs.
- It results from insufficient production of essential glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid hormones.
- This deficiency can lead to various health complications if left untreated.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old spayed female husky-Labrador retriever presented with subtle clinical signs.
- Previous treatment with exogenous glucocorticoid drugs complicated the initial assessment.
- The diagnostic process was challenging due to the non-specific nature of the symptoms.
Findings:
- The canine patient was diagnosed with primary hypoadrenocorticism.
- An adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test was crucial for confirming the diagnosis.
- The test identified a deficiency in both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid hormone production.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism is vital for effective treatment and management.
- Understanding the role of hormone deficiencies aids in veterinary clinical practice.
- Early detection and appropriate therapy can significantly improve the prognosis for affected dogs.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
01:15Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Without prolonged fasting, healthy individuals maintain blood glucose levels above 3.5 mM due to a well-adapted neuroendocrine counterregulatory system that effectively prevents acute hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. The primary clinical scenarios for hypoglycemia encompass diabetes treatment, inappropriate production of endogenous insulin or insulin-like substances by tumors, and the use of glucose-lowering agents in non-diabetic individuals. Notably, hypoglycemia in the...
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...