Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn's Syndrome) in an Akita Dog Presenting with Neurologic Signs: The Diagnostic Challenge of Ruling Out Hyperadrenocorticism.

Background: Primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's Syndrome) is an under-diagnosed and potentially fatal endocrinopathy in veterinary medicine, often presenting with vague or severe multi-systemic clinical signs that mask the underlying adrenal pathology Methods: This report describes the diagnostic workup and medical management of a ۵-year-old, spayed female Akita dog presenting with severe polyuria/polydipsia, progressive muscle weakness, systemic hypertension, and episodic mentation changes. Initial laboratory screening showed mild non-regenerative anemia, transient mild hypokalemia (lowest recorded: Potassium ۳.۹۹ mmol/L, Ref ۴.۱-۵.۴ mmol/L), and persistently elevated Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity Results: The initial diagnostic effort focused on Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's Syndrome), but both the Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression test and the ACTH stimulation test were negative. The correct diagnosis of Primary Hyperaldosteronism was subsequently confirmed by a markedly elevated plasma aldosterone concentration (۶۹۵ pg/ml, Ref ۵-۳۴۵ pg/ml), resulting in an elevated Aldosterone-to-Renin Ratio (ARR). Subsequent computed tomography (CT) confirmed adrenal pathology consistent with an aldosterone-producing adenoma: the Left Adrenal Gland was enlarged while the contralateral gland appeared atrophied. The case was medically managed with a potassium-sparing diuretic (Spironolactone) for aldosterone antagonism and the calcium channel blocker Amlodipine to control severe systemic hypertension. Conclusion: Following treatment, the patient achieved good clinical control with normalization of potassium levels, resolution of muscle weakness, and stabilization of blood pressure, highlighting the critical importance of evaluating the aldosterone-to-renin axis in canine patients with unexplained hypokalemia and neurologic signs, even when other common adrenal disorders are definitively ruled out.

کلیدواژه ها:

Primary Hyperaldosteronism ، Conn's Syndrome ، Adrenal Adenoma ، Akita ، Systemic Hypertension