Case Study

Possible Addison’s disease in an 8 year old MN Labrador Retriever

An 8-year-old MN Labrador Retriever dog was presented for anorexia, lethargy, and diarrhea of 1 week’s duration. Physical examination was within normal limits. Abnormalities on laboratory testing were elevated liver enzyme activity and hyperamylasemia. Pre and post ACTH cortisol was 0.4 and 0.3 ug/dL, respectively.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Gastritis with lymphadenopathy, possible emerging neoplasia. Small flat adrenal glands, possible Addison`s disease.

Image Interpretation

The adrenal glands were flat in contour and isoechoic to surrounding parenchyma. This dog’s symptoms could represent an Addisonian crisis. ACTH stimulation would be recommended. The stomach presented mucosal and mural prominence with minor loss of mural detail in the gastric fundus. Gastric lymph node was enlarged in the region of the pancreas at 1.7 x 1.4cm. Sedation would be necessary in order to perform fine needle aspirate or biopsies of this lymph node.