Adrenal Crisis in Dogs: A Groundbreaking Study Reveals No Difference Between Popular Treatments

In a pivotal multi-institutional retrospective observational study spanning from July 2016 to May 2022, researchers have taken significant strides in understanding the treatment of adrenal crisis in dogs, a condition that can be life-threatening without prompt and effective intervention. This comprehensive analysis involved 39 client-owned dogs diagnosed with adrenal crisis, focusing on comparing the effectiveness of two widely used treatment protocols: hydrocortisone (HC) continuous rate infusion (CRI) versus intermittent dexamethasone (DEX) administration.

Adrenal crisis in dogs is a critical condition characterized by insufficient production of essential hormones by the adrenal glands, requiring immediate veterinary attention to prevent severe complications or death. The study meticulously evaluated several key outcomes, including the duration of hospitalization, survival rates, frequency of electrolyte concentration measurements, and the time required for the normalization of electrolyte and acid-base status among the affected canines.

Interestingly, the findings revealed no significant differences between the two treatment groups in any of the assessed outcomes. The duration of hospitalization was similar for dogs treated with HC (median 48 hours, range 19-105 hours) and those receiving DEX (median 57 hours, range 17-167 hours), with no significant difference in the case fatality rate observed between the two protocols. Furthermore, the frequency of electrolyte concentration measurements and the time to normalization of critical electrolytes like sodium (Na), potassium (K), and the Na/K ratio were comparable across both treatment options.

This groundbreaking study underscores the notion that both HC continuous rate infusions and intermittent dexamethasone administrations are viable treatment strategies for dogs experiencing an adrenal crisis, offering no distinct advantage over one another in terms of hospitalization duration, survival rates, or speed of electrolyte normalization. This revelation provides invaluable insights for veterinarians and pet owners alike, suggesting that treatment choice can be tailored to individual patient needs, availability, and clinical judgment without compromising the quality of care.

As the veterinary community continues to strive for the optimal management of adrenal crisis in dogs, this study contributes significantly to the body of knowledge, ensuring that affected dogs have the best possible chance for a full recovery.

Read full article here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvim.17002