A multi-organ infection involving a left adrenal gland abscess in a diabetic dog

A 14-year-old, intact male, American cocker spaniel dog was presented with a 5-day history of lethargy, inappetence, loose stools, abdominal pain, and hematuria. The dog had a 4-year history of diabetes mellitus and was in remission for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography scan revealed diffuse left adrenomegaly, splenic nodules, prostatomegaly, bilateral testicular cysts, and a hepatic mass. The dog underwent an exploratory laparotomy and a left adrenalectomy. Histopathology of the left adrenal gland was consistent with an adrenal abscess. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of an adrenal gland abscess in a dog. Key clinical message: This case highlights the potential for multi-organ infections in uncontrolled diabetic patients with non-specific clinical signs.