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Published on: May 2, 2017
Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency in a dog with septic shock
Jamie L Peyton1, Jamie M Burkitt
1Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA. mimijl@mac.com
Objective:
To describe a case of hydrocortisone-responsive hypotension and critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) in a dog with septic shock.
Case Summary:
A dog with aspiration pneumonia developed septic shock with pressor-refractory hypotension. A standard ACTH stimulation test was performed that showed a blunted cortisol response consistent with CIRCI. Reversal of shock was achieved within 2 hours of hydrocortisone administration, and complete weaning from pressors was accomplished over the subsequent 8 hours. The patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital. An ACTH stimulation test performed 1 month after hospital discharge showed normal adrenal responsiveness consistent with resolution of CIRCI.
New Or Unique Information Provided:
This case is the first published report of hydrocortisone-responsive hypotension and transient CIRCI associated with naturally occurring septic shock in a dog.
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