Primary hypoadrenocorticism results when destruction of 90% of both the adrenal cortices leads to a clinical deficiency of all adrenal cortical hormones. The ACTH stimulation test is used to confirm a diagnosis. It is also useful to measure the Na:K ratio as evidence for mineralocorticoid deficiency but a low ratio is not seen in all cases of primary hypoadrenocorticism at initial presentation. Animals with secondary hypoadrenocorticism (deficient pituitary production of ACTH) are not expected to have electrolyte disturbances. | Primary hypoadrenocorticism results when destruction of 90% of both the adrenal cortices leads to a clinical deficiency of all adrenal cortical hormones. The ACTH stimulation test is used to confirm a diagnosis. It is also useful to measure the Na:K ratio as evidence for mineralocorticoid deficiency but a low ratio is not seen in all cases of primary hypoadrenocorticism at initial presentation. Animals with secondary hypoadrenocorticism (deficient pituitary production of ACTH) are not expected to have electrolyte disturbances. |