How is Hyperadrenocorticism diagnosed in cats?
Hyperadrenocorticism may be tentatively diagnosed if your cat has a history of long term corticosteroid use, and upon clinical signs & physical examination of the cat. Diagnostic testing may involve a routine tests such as • Complete blood count: This may show an increase in levels of red blood cells • Biochemical profile may reveal low calcium levels, elevated cholesterol, elevated glucose, possible elevated alkaline phosphatase & liver enzymes. • Urinalysis • ACTH stimulation test: This test measures the ability of the adrenal glands to respond to a hormone known as adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) which is made in the pituitary gland, travelling through the bloodstream to the adrenal glands where it stimulates the secretion of other hormones such as hydrocortisone from the cortex. The ACTH stimulation test measures levels of cortisol in the blood before & after an injection of synthetic ACTH. • Low dose dexamethasone suppression test (also known as ACTH suppression test): This te
