FUNCTIONING ADRENOCORTICAL TUMOUR IN A DOG

Naturally-occurring hyperadrenocorticism was diagnosed in an 11-year-old female Dachshund with signs of polydipsia, polyuria, pendulous abdomen, weakness, depression and lethargy, and laboratory test abnormalities comprising lymphocytopaenia, eosinopaenia, hypercholesterolaemia and increased plasma alkaline phosphatase concentration. While awaiting hormonal test results, an adrenocorticolytic drug (o,p'-DDD) was administered for 14 days, during which the patient deteriorated. Hormonal assays suggested a functioning adrenocortical tumour, but the poor condition of the patient precluded adrenalectomy. An adrenocortical carcinoma with hepatic metastases was found at necropsy.