Beware of false positives, negatives in canine hyperadrenocorticism testing

摘要

Canine hyperadrenocorticism is a commonly diagnosed endocrinopathy in small animal practice. The diagnosis of canine hyperadrenocorticism using the low dose dexamethasone suppression test or the ACTH stimulation test is usually straightforward, but problems with false positive and false negative test results can be encountered. The effect of nonadrenal illness on the low dose dexamethasone suppression test and the ACTH stimulation test (resulting in false positive test results) is well described Adrenal function testing should be reserved for dogs with historical and clinical signs coasistent with hyperadrenocorticism. Furthermore, the adrenal function testing of sick animals should be avoided if at all possible, and delayed until after the resolution of the nonadrenal illness if suspicion of hyperadrenocorticism remains.