Isolated hypoaldosteronism managed by DOCP in a dog with chronic kidney disease and hypercortisolism

Abstract

Abstract A 13‐year‐old spayed female Schnauzer dog with chronic kidney disease (CKD; International Renal Interest Society stage 2, non‐proteinuric, normotensive), diabetes mellitus, hypercortisolism and myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine stage B2) presented with electrolyte imbalance that had progressed to hyperkalaemia and hyponatremia, with a sodium to potassium (Na:K) ratio of 19.6. Cortisol levels after the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test were within the therapeutic range, but aldosterone levels were below the reference range; hence, isolated hypoaldosteronism was diagnosed. After administration of deoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP), the electrolyte imbalance improved with a Na:K ratio of 27.7. This is the first report of the management of isolated hypoaldosteronism and hypercortisolism using trilostane and DOCP in a dog. This case highlights the importance of recognizing isolated hypoaldosteronism after long‐term treatment with trilostane in a canine patient with CKD.

Keywords

• chronic kidney disease
• deoxycorticosterone pivalate
• dog
• hypoaldosteronism
• trilostane