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the ACTH stimulation test is often the initial diagnostic test performed. The low dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) is more sensitive than the ACTH stimulation test, but less specific and is considered by many the initial screening test of choice.
Testing for HAC should be repeated if clinical signs of HAC are present. For the Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test (LDDST), please consider the following: The LDDST can identify dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) based on the
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Response Test. The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) response test serves to demonstrate functional adrenal reserve following administration of a pharmacological dose of ACTH. It is generally used to screen for the presence of hyperadrenocorticism.
Understanding the HRD result. The HRD test result will either show a positive or negative HRD status. A positive status is defined as either the presence of a BRCA mutation or a high genomic instability score.
Normal adrenal gland width (at the caudal pole) is 3 to 5 mm, although it is not unusual to find 7-mm adrenals in large dogs with nonadrenal illness. 10 Bilateral, symmetric adrenomegaly indicates PDH in a dog with a positive result on a confirmatory test for HAC.
Findings on routine laboratory screening tests can be variable in HAC patients. The CBC can show increases in hematocrit and platelets (>600,000), which may contribute to hypercoagulability. Stress leukograms are common, but immunosuppression is possible in dogs with HAC, and the clinical pathology may differ. Routine biochemical profile findings
Proper monitoring of Cushing’s syndrome patients is essential to ensuring optimal treatment results. Scheduling follow-up appointments and educating the pet owner on the importance of reporting any signs of change in their pet are vital to the treatment process.
