Hypocortisolaemia in a Labrador retriever
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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
Published on: April 25, 2016
1Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge.
Abstract:
A four-year-old Labrador retriever was presented with lethargy and exercise intolerance. Clinical examination was unremarkable. A subnormal cortisol response to adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH) was demonstrated (plasma cortisol concentrations before and after administration of ACTH were both below the detection limit of the assay) but plasma aldosterone concentrations were within the normal range. Endogenous plasma ACTH concentrations were high, indicating primary adrenocortical disease. Following glucocorticoid supplementation at a replacement dose (prednisolone 0.1 mg/kg) the dog made a full clinical recovery.
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