[Pseudohypoadrenocorticism in two Siberian huskies with gastrointestinal parasitoses]

Two Siberian Huskies were presented because of anorexia, chronic diarrhoea, polydipsia and polyuria. The most significant clinical finding was a severe dehydration. Laboratory results showed severe electrolyte disturbances with sodium: potassium ratios of 13.2 and 15.4, respectively. Hypoadrenocorticism could be excluded in both dogs with an ACTH stimulation test. The plasma aldosterone concentrations before and after stimulation were very high, which might be due to a stimulation by the electrolyte disturbances. The final diagnosis was an infection with the whipworm Trichuris vulpis and secondary pseudohypoadrenocorticism. A life-threatening dehydration syndrome with hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis due to intestinal parasitism has been reported in earlier studies. Up till now sodium: potassium ratios less than 14, however, have only been seen in animals with Morbus Addison. The severe hyperkalemia in these dogs might be due to a particular sensitivity in this breed.