Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in a terrier dog: A case report

Abstract

We report a case of pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in a 10-year-old, female, terrier dog. The animal was admitted due to polyphagia, weight gain, polyuria, polydipsia, hair loss, exercise intolerance and panting at rest. On physical examination, abdominal distention, truncal and bilaterally symmetric alopecia, thin hypotonic skin, comedones, bruising, hyperpigmentation and calcinosis cutis on the dorsal midline were observed. Hematologic investigations showed stress leukogram, high serum alkaline phosphatase activity, mild to moderate alanine aminotransferase activity, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia. Mild generalized interstitial lung patterns and hepatomegaly were detected in the radiographs. Bilaterally symmetric normal-sized adrenal glands were also diagnosed in ultrasonography. Diagnosis of pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism was confirmed with low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. The dog was successfully treated with mitotane.