2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

This study found that dogs with AP exhibited decreased 25-(OH)D levels, which might be the result of inflammatory responses rather than a cause of AP. Moreover, alterations in serum 25-(OH)D concentrations might be associated with disease severity or mortality in dogs with AP. A high prevalence of cholestatic disease, including gall bladder mucocele (GBM) has been reported in dogs with naturally-occurring pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. Differences exist in the clinical features of dogs with PDH and concurrent cholestatic disease, and also is the management of these dogs with trilostane. In this study, 65 client-owned dogs with naturally-occurring PDH were analyzed. Each dog was treated with trilostane for at least 3 months before the study, and had a good clinical response, as determined by owners. Statistical comparisons of clinical signs, results of routine blood tests, basal and post-ACTH cortisol concentration, and optimal trilostane dosage were made after dogs were separated into the following 3 groups by ultrasonographic imaging: normal on ultrasound (NOU) group, cholestasis group, and GBM group. The GBM group had more severe clinical signs, and significantly different total serum cholesterol concentration and post-ACTH stimulation cortisol concentration at the time of diagnosis. Dogs that weighed <6 kg had a significantly higher prevalence of cholestatic disease than did the other dogs (P = 0.003). The optimal trilostane dosages for the GBM and cholestasis groups were 2.5 and 1.5 times the dosage of the NOU group, respectively (P < 0.001). Gall bladder disease associated with cholestatic disease is correlated with PDH in dogs, both in its clinical features and drug management. These findings may be associated with hypercholesterolemia, unidentified genetic factors, and the hydrophobic nature of trilostane. Hypothyroidism is a common endocrinopathy in dogs; however, the diagnosis of hypothyroidism may be difficult because nonthyroidal illness (NTI) and medication might affect the results of thyroid function tests. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a thyrotropin (TSH) stimulation test for diagnosing hypothyroidism.