Addison's with normal electrolytes: treatment and follow-up
6-year-old crossbreed bitch diagnosed with hypoadrenocorticism with normal sodium and potassium (glucocorticoid deficiency only) after months of intermittent vomiting and diarrhoea. On physiological prednisolone she has been asymptomatic for 2 months.
What is the most appropriate follow-up plan?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. Continue prednisolone and measure sodium and potassium periodically, because some dogs later develop mineralocorticoid deficiency
Correct. Some of these dogs progress to hypoadrenocorticism with electrolyte abnormalities weeks, months or years later. If hyponatraemia or hyperkalaemia appears, a mineralocorticoid is added.
B. Add DOCP now to prevent a future crisis
With normal electrolytes DOCP is not indicated and could cause hypokalaemia and hypernatraemia. It is added only if the deficiency develops.
C. Stop prednisolone once she has been sign-free for 6 months
The cortisol deficiency is permanent; stopping prednisolone will bring back the gastrointestinal signs and the risk of a crisis.
D. There is no need to measure electrolytes: this type of Addison's never affects them
False: normal electrolytes at diagnosis do not guarantee they will stay normal, and the only way to detect progression is to measure them.
lightbulb Key takeaway
In glucocorticoid-deficient Addison's, treatment is prednisolone, but follow-up must include sodium and potassium for life (especially in the first months). Explain the signs of a crisis to the owner.
Test yourself with 10 random questions
Endocrinology · 100 questions, a different test every time
Related questions
Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.