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Adrenocortical disturbances are expected in canine ehrlichiosis due to the immunological challenges caused by infection and consequent inflammation. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of adrenocortical hormonal alterations in dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis (n = 21) as positively confirmed by the presence of anti-E. canis antibodies (Dot-ELISA) and nested PCR (nPCR). Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) concentrations were assessed via ELISA before and one hour after ACTH stimulation. Another 10 healthy dogs were subjected to the same stimulation protocol and used as controls. The results revealed that baseline and post-ACTH DHEA-S concentrations were significantly greater in sick dogs, regardless of gender, and this finding illustrates the stress induced by naturally acquired ehrlichiosis in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adrenal tumors in dogs are common in small animal practice and may be divided according to their origin into cortical and medullary, as the most common being adrenocortical carcinomas and adenomas, also pheochromocytomas. Breeds as Poodle, Boxer, Dachshund and Beagle over 9 years old show more risks of developing adrenal neoplasms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible epidemiological risks for the development of adrenal tumors in ten dogs treated at the Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias of Universidade Federal de Pelotas (HCV/UFPel) between 2018 and 2023. Factors such as age, gender, breed, reproductive status, weight, living with other animals and comorbidities were listed for descriptive assessment. All dogs had clinical signs and ultrasound features compatible with adrenal tumors. In addition, they were all female, with mean weight of 16.4 kg, age of 11 years old and most of them had defined breed and were neutered. Thus, the profile of the dog affected by adrenal tumor was determined as female, breed defined, neutered, small to medium size and aged between 9 and 16 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]