Severe hypoglycaemia in a cat with primary hypoadrenocorticism

Abstract

This case report describes a 3-year-old, castrated male, mixed-breed cat with historical, clinical and laboratory findings compatible with primary hypoadrenocorticism, confirmed by adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. Severe but asymptomatic hypoglycaemia was an unexpected biochemical finding and resolved after fludrocortisone acetate and prednisolone treatment. This case demonstrates that hypoadrenocorticism should be included in the differentials list of severe hypoglycaemia in cats.

Adrenal insufficiency secondary to lymphocytic panhypophysitis in a cat

“…Severe hypoglycaemia leading to neurological signs is rarely reported in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism . Severe hypoglycaemia, not associated with neurological signs, was reported in one cat with typical hypoadrenocorticism . In the case reported here, the facial twitching resolved after dextrose infusion; however, the possibility that this was incidental cannot be ruled out.…”

“…16 Severe hypoglycaemia, not associated with neurological signs, was reported in one cat with typical hypoadrenocorticism. 13 In the case reported here, the facial twitching resolved after dextrose infusion; however, the possibility that this was incidental cannot be ruled out. Glucocorticoids promote gluconeogenesis while decreasing the utilisation of glucose.…”

“…Hypoglycaemia is reported in approximately 20% dogs with typical hypoadrenocorticism and in 43% of cases of atypical or secondary hypoadrenocorticism . Hypoglycaemia is reported rarely in cats with hypoadrenocorticism . Interestingly, stress‐related hyperglycaemia, which is common in cats, was not reported in any of the cats presented for hypoadrenocorticism .…”

“…1,[9][10][11][12] Hypoglycaemia is reported rarely in cats with hypoadrenocorticism. 1,13 Interestingly, stress-related hyperglycaemia, which is common in cats, was not reported in any of the cats presented for hypoadrenocorticism. 1,14,15 In the one cat that was diagnosed as 'atypical hypoadrenocorticoid', the blood glucose was low normal (3.77 mmol/L).…”

Hypoadrenocorticism

“…5 The most commonly affected pure breeds vary somewhat by report and include the Portuguese Water Dog, Great Dane, West Highland White Terrier, Standard Poodle, Wheaton Terrier, and Rottweiler. 4,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Most cats are young to middle aged, with ages ranging from 1 to 14 years. 4,12 Primary hypoadrenocorticism is rare in cats.…”