Pseudohypoadrenocorticism in a Siberian Husky with Trichuris vulpis Infection

An entire male Siberian Husky presented for diarrhoea, weakness, inappetence, and collapse following a six-day period of illness. On clinical examination the dog displayed vasoconstrictive circulatory shock, dehydration, and melena. Laboratory tests revealed a marked hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia, and a decreased sodium/potassium ratio of ≤ 12.4. Te baseline and poststimulation serum cortisol concentrations were markedly elevated following adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) stimulation test, yielding 712 nmol/L and 706 nmol/L, respectively. Te elevated cortisol concentration excluded hypoadrenocorticism. A concurrent Trichuris vulpis (whipworm) infection was also identifed. Te dog was treated with supportive care including fenbendazole and recovered uneventfully. Te fnal diagnosis was Trichuris vulpis infection with secondary pseudohypoadrenocorticism. Tis case report further supports a previous observation that the Siberian Husky breed may have an increased sensitivity to infection with Trichuris vulpis and development of pseudohypoadrenocorticism.