JAAHA: Can dermatological clues indicate hyperadrenocorticism?

Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), also known as Cushing’s syndrome, is a commonly diagnosed endocrine disorder in dogs. It is characterized by excess cortisol production, and mainly affects middle-aged and senior dogs. Some of the classical signs of HAC are polydipsia (increased water consumption), polyuria (increased urination), and increased panting.

However, a team of researchers wanted to see if there was a connection to HAC in dogs who were seen by a veterinary dermatologist for various skin conditions, but did not necessarily have the typical signs of HAC.

The team retrospectively examined a series of cases using medical records from a dermatology referral practice. They wanted to answer the question: “Do dogs diagnosed with HAC and evaluated by veterinary dermatologists exhibit clinical features that differ from those commonly reported by other veterinarians?”

In the cases the team looked at, pruritus (itchiness) and pyoderma (skin infection) were the predominant findings at presentation, whereas the more widely reported HAC systemic signs such as polyuria, polydipsia, and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels were less represented.

Read the details of the case in the latest issue of JAAHA: “Retrospective Case Series of Patients with Hyperadrenocorticism Presenting to a Referral Dermatology Practice.”

The Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (JAAHA) is a storied publication presenting the latest scientific articles from around the world. Each month we present a sampling from the current month’s journal.

Disclaimer: Trends content is meant to inform, educate, and inspire by providing an array of diverse viewpoints. Any content published should not be viewed as an official stance, position, or endorsement by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or its Board of Directors.