Retrospective Case Series of Patients with Hyperadrenocorticism Presenting to a Referral Dermatology Practice

Dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) present to a referral dermatology practice with clinical signs that vary from the traditional HAC signs. This retrospective case series evaluates the presenting complaints, history findings, and physical examination findings in dogs diagnosed with HAC presenting to a referral dermatology practice. Medical records of 30 dogs diagnosed with HAC and evaluated at a private dermatology referral practice were retrospectively reviewed. A history of pruritus was the most prevalent history finding in 26/30 dogs (87%). On physical examination, a superficial bacterial pyoderma was diagnosed in 22/30 dogs (73%) with a supportive cytology followed by alopecia in 16/30 dogs (53%). Alkaline phosphatase was only elevated in 20/30 cases (67%). These results indicate that pruritus was the most commonly documented historic finding and pyoderma was the prevailing physical examination finding. Uncommonly reported findings included otitis externa and pododermatitis for patients with HAC presenting to a referral dermatology practice.