Abstract
On the basis of symptoms and blood-test findings, an 11-year-old, male dachshund with alopecia, polydipsia, and polyuria was suspected of hyperadrenocorticism. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) testing confirmed the suspicion. Then a corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH)-stimulating test was conducted to determine whether hypercorticism in this case was pituitary-dependent. Because its plasma ACTH level was higher than normal after CRH administration, the affected dog was diagnosed as having pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. Moreover, histopathological examination revealed adenoma of the pituitary anterior lobe and hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex. These findings indicate that the CRH-stimulating test is useful in diagnosing canine pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
