Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2025
08:02
Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
Published on: April 25, 2016
9.8K
Urinary cortisol-creatinine ratio in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism
Francesca Del Baldo1, Magda Gerou Ferriani2, Walter Bertazzolo3
1Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|February 12, 2022
Summary
The urinary corticoid:creatinine ratio (UCCR) is a reliable screening test for hypoadrenocorticism (HA) in dogs. This test accurately differentiates dogs with HA from healthy dogs and those with diseases mimicking HA, using only one urine sample.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary diagnostics
- Endocrinology
- Canine health
Background:
- Basal serum cortisol (BSC) has high sensitivity but low specificity for diagnosing hypoadrenocorticism (HA) in dogs.
- Differentiating HA from diseases mimicking HA (DMHA) is clinically significant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the urinary corticoid:creatinine ratio (UCCR) as a diagnostic tool for HA in dogs.
- To differentiate dogs with HA from healthy dogs and those with DMHA using UCCR.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study analyzing urine samples from 19 healthy dogs, 18 dogs with DMHA, and 10 dogs with HA.
- UCCR was measured in all dogs.
- Diagnostic performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves.
Main Results:
- UCCR was significantly lower in dogs with HA compared to healthy dogs and dogs with DMHA (P < .0001).
- No overlap in UCCR values was observed between dogs with HA and DMHA.
- A UCCR cut-off of <1.4 provided 100% sensitivity and 97.3% specificity for diagnosing HA.
Conclusions:
- The UCCR is a valuable and reliable screening test for diagnosing HA in dogs.
- The UCCR test offers the advantage of requiring only a single urine sample.
- UCCR effectively distinguishes HA from DMHA, improving diagnostic accuracy.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Serum Creatinine Concentration and Clearance
9
In healthy individuals, serum creatinine levels remain stable due to a balance between its constant production—primarily from muscle metabolism—and renal excretion. Creatinine is freely filtered by the glomeruli, making it a valuable marker for estimating renal function. When the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreases, the kidneys can only eliminate less creatinine, causing serum levels to rise.Serum creatinine concentration is widely used to estimate creatinine clearance...
9
01:24Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
93
Renal function tests are crucial for assessing kidney health, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the kidneys' efficiency in waste elimination, fluid balance, and electrolyte regulation. These tests offer critical insights into kidney function, even though routine measurements may appear normal until there is a significant decline in the glomerular filtration rate or GFR. Typically, signs of kidney impairment only become evident when the GFR falls to about 50% of its normal level.
93
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
1.9K
Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
1.9K
01:29Urine Studies I: Urinalysis
270
Urinalysis is a widely used diagnostic test that analyzes urine's physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics. Healthcare providers use it to detect and monitor various health conditions, including renal disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, and metabolic or systemic disorders.Components of UrinalysisUrinalysis consists of three primary components: physical, chemical, and microscopic examination. Each provides unique insights into the urine sample and, by extension, the...
270
01:28Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate Based on Serum Creatinine Concentration
9
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can be estimated from serum creatinine using the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula or the chronic kidney disease–epidemiology collaboration (CKD–EPI) equation. Both methods are widely used in clinical practice to assess kidney function and guide treatment decisions.The MDRD equation does not require weight or height measurements and is normalized to the body surface area of 1.73 m², considered the average adult surface area.
9
01:17Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Renal Impairment
182
Renal dysfunction significantly impairs the renal clearance of drugs, leading to potential complications in drug therapy. Renal failure, which can be caused by various factors, poses a significant challenge in the elimination of drugs from the body.
One condition associated with renal failure is uremia. Uremia is characterized by impaired glomerular filtration and fluid accumulation in the body. This condition hinders the renal clearance of drugs, resulting in drug accumulation and potential...
One condition associated with renal failure is uremia. Uremia is characterized by impaired glomerular filtration and fluid accumulation in the body. This condition hinders the renal clearance of drugs, resulting in drug accumulation and potential...
182