Endocrine Emergencies AI Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is another name for Hypoadrenocorticism?
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s Disease is characterized by insufficient production of glucocorticoids and mineralcorticoids.
What are common clinical signs of Hypoadrenocorticism?
- Intermittent vomiting and diarrhea
- Weakness
- Polydipsia/polyuria
- Bradycardia
- Endocrine coat pattern
- Collapse
- Renal failure
- Megaesophagus
- Non-regenerative anemia
- Low glucose
- Low sodium/high potassium
- Low white blood count
Clinical signs may vary in severity and can be vague.
What is the acute therapy for severe Hypoadrenocorticism?
- IV fluids
- Electrolyte correction
- Glucocorticoids
Treatment aims to stabilize the patient rapidly.
What is the chronic therapy for Hypoadrenocorticism?
- Mineralcorticoid replacement
- Percortin (IM q 3 weeks)
- Florinef oral BID
- Glucocorticoid replacement
Long-term management is essential for maintaining normal physiological function.
What characterizes an Addisonian Crisis?
- Shock due to dehydration
- Low blood pressure
- Hyponatremia
- Hypoglycemia
- Lack of glucocorticoids
- Bradycardia due to hyperkalemia
An Addisonian Crisis is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate treatment.
What is the treatment for Addisonian Crisis?
- Shock dose fluids (0.9% NaCl)
- 40-80 ml/kg given over 1-4 hrs
- Glucocorticoids
- Treat hypoglycemia with IV dextrose
Dexamethasone does not interfere with ACTH stimulation tests.
What are potential causes of Hypercalcemia?
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Paraneoplastic
- Vitamin D toxicity
Hypercalcemia can lead to serious complications such as renal failure and heart arrhythmias.
What are the consequences of Hypercalcemia?
- Ca x Ph >54
- Renal failure
- Neurologic signs
- Heart arrhythmias
These consequences can be life-threatening.
What is the treatment for Hypercalcemia?
- Aggressive IV fluids (0.9% NaCl)
- Furosemide IV
- Calcitonin
- Treat primary cause
Furosemide promotes calcium excretion in urine.
What is Myxedema Coma?
A rare syndrome of severe hypothyroidism characterized by profound weakness, hypothermia, and bradycardia
Myxedema coma can lead to coma and is associated with skin changes.
What are the lab findings associated with Myxedema?
- Hypoxemia
- Hypercarbia
- Hyponatremia
- Hypoglycemia
- Hyperlipidemia
- Nonregenerative anemia
- Extremely low T4; usually elevated TSH
These findings indicate severe metabolic derangement.
What is a Thyroid Storm?
A sudden release of massive amounts of T4 in an untreated hyperthyroid cat
The etiology of sudden decompensation is not well understood and may be triggered by stress.
What are the criteria for Thyroid Storm in Cats?
- Thermoregulatory dysfunction (Temperature > 104)
- CNS effects (Seizure, Coma)
- Neuromuscular effects (Neck ventroflexion)
- Gastrointestinal-hepatic dysfunction (Diarrhea, Vomiting)
- Cardiovascular dysfunction (Severe tachycardia)
At least three criteria must be met for diagnosis.
What is the treatment for Thyroid Storm?
- Aggressive treatment for specific signs
- Methimazole
- Propanolol
- Amlodipine
- IV support
Mortality without aggressive care is as high as 80%.
What causes Insulin Overdose?
- Too much insulin is administered
- Animal is not eating or is vomiting
- Increased exercise
- Changes in the animal’s needs
Cats can transition to non-diabetics after a few months, complicating management.
What are the consequences of Insulin Overdose?
- Hypoglycemia
- Weakness
- Disorientation
- Seizures
- Coma
These symptoms indicate a critical condition requiring immediate intervention.
What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
A serious complication of diabetes characterized by ketonuria and metabolic acidosis
It can be fatal if untreated and is often seen in animals not previously diagnosed with diabetes.
What are common treatments for Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
- Aggressive IV fluids (0.9% NaCl)
- Electrolyte abnormalities treatment
- K+ IV must be started before insulin
- IM or IV insulin (Regular) until blood glucose <250 mg/dl
Insulin therapy helps reverse the ketone process.
What is the goal of glucose monitoring in unstable diabetics?
To maintain blood glucose between 150 and 300 mg/dl
Safety monitoring is crucial before stabilization.
What is the purpose of a Glucose Curve?
- Determine duration of action of insulin
- Determine high and low glucose levels
- Determine when low glucose occurs
Glucose curves are performed after the diabetic is stable for at least 7 days.
What is a Jugular Catheter used for in diabetic patients?
It allows for blood sample collection without causing patient stress and monitoring Central Venous Pressures (CVP)
Central catheters can be maintained for 5 days or more.
What is the procedure for inserting a Jugular Catheter?
- Surgical prep of neck
- Insert needle until blood flash is seen
- Thread catheter through needle
- Place needle guard
- Bandage into place
Care must be taken to prevent catheter kinking.
