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→Primary Hypoadrenocorticism
===Primary Hypoadrenocorticism===
===Primary Hypoadrenocorticism===
[[Image:Adrenal atrophy.jpg|thumb|125px|Image of an adrenal gland undergoing atrophy.<br><small>A. Jefferies 2008</small>]]
[[Image:Adrenal atrophy.jpg|thumb|150px|Image of an adrenal gland undergoing atrophy.<br><small>A. Jefferies 2008</small>]]
There are several possible causes of primary hypoadrenocorticism, including:
There are several possible causes of primary hypoadrenocorticism, including:
*'''Adrenal atrophy''' is thought to be an autoimmune disease caused by a type IV immune response. Affected animals have an increased risk of developing other immune-mediated diseases, including [[Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia|immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia]]. Grossly, the adrenal glands are small, difficult to locate and they are dark brown on cut sections. Histological analysis reveals the presence of an infiltrate of lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages.
*'''Adrenal atrophy''' is thought to be an autoimmune disease caused by a type IV immune response. Affected animals have an increased risk of developing other immune-mediated diseases, including [[Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia|immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia]]. Grossly, the adrenal glands are small, difficult to locate and they are dark brown on cut sections. Histological analysis reveals the presence of an infiltrate of lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages.
[[Image:Adrenal necrosis2.jpg|thumb|125px|Image of an adrenal gland undergoing necrosis. Note the areas of haemorrhage within the cortex of the gland.<br><small>A. Jefferies 2008</small>]]
[[Image:Adrenal necrosis2.jpg|thumb|150px|Image of an adrenal gland undergoing necrosis. Note the areas of haemorrhage within the cortex of the gland.<br><small>A. Jefferies 2008</small>]]
*'''Adrenal necrosis''' may be caused by certain infections or it may be a sequel to other metabolic diseases. In horses, [[Salmonella|'''salmonellosis''']] may cause adrenal necrosis but, in small animals, necrosis is more likely to occur due to myoarteritis in uraemic animals resulting in ischaemia of the adrenal gland. Idiopathic necrosis may occur with no apparent cause. Grossly, the glands contain areas of red haemorrhage with yellow necrotic foci.
*'''Adrenal necrosis''' may be caused by certain infections or it may be a sequel to other metabolic diseases. In horses, [[Salmonella|'''salmonellosis''']] may cause adrenal necrosis but, in small animals, necrosis is more likely to occur due to myoarteritis in uraemic animals resulting in ischaemia of the adrenal gland. Idiopathic necrosis may occur with no apparent cause. Grossly, the glands contain areas of red haemorrhage with yellow necrotic foci.