Neurological signs due to hypoadrenocorticism in two dogs

Abstract

Primary hypoadrenocorticism, also known as Addison’s disease and nicknamed ‘the great pretender’, is a rare disease in dogs and has been sporadically documented in cats. Documented cases of confirmed hypoadrenocorticism as a cause of neurological signs are limited. This report describes two cases of hypoadrenocorticism primarily referred for neurological signs. In case 1, neurological signs consisted of generalised neuromuscular weakness/paresis. The very noticeable tetraparesis (paraparesis most apparent) in case 2 is an example of the generalised paresis that may be a consequence of hypoadrenocorticism. Both cases responded to treatment for hypoadrenocorticism with resolution of neurological signs. In conclusion, hypoadrenocorticism should be considered a differential diagnosis for dogs presented with neurological signs of (generalised neuromuscular) weakness/paresis (manifesting as a ‘wobbly gait’ which is easily confused with ataxia), especially when signs are long-standing or vaguely defined.