Hypoadrenocorticism, or Addison disease, is a lack of adrenal cortex hormones: glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, or both. It is very rare in cats; a 2024 review found only 48 reported cases since the first in 1983. The signs are vague and wax and wane, so the disease imitates more common feline illnesses, which is exactly why it appears on exams.
Key facts
Hypoadrenocorticism at a glance- Species and system: cat, endocrine (adrenal cortex).
- Cause: most often primary adrenal failure of unknown cause, thought to be immune mediated. Lymphoma, trauma, pituitary disease and sudden stopping of long-term steroids or progestins also occur.
- Signalment: reported age 7 months to 14 years (median 4 years); no clear sex predisposition; domestic shorthairs and longhairs are most reported, with British Shorthairs also represented.
- Classic presentation: lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, dehydration and weakness that wax and wane, with a temporary response to fluids.
- Zoonotic or reportable: no.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Don't confuse hypoadrenocorticism with
- Treatment and management
- Prognosis
- Working through a case
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 5 tables, 3 self-test questions and 5 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.