Dermatological manifestations of hyperadrenocorticism in dogs and their dynamics during trilostane therapy

Introduction. Dermatological changes are among the common and often the first clinical manifestations of hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) in dogs; however, data on their dynamics during the early stages of medical therapy are limited. The aim of the study was to describe the baseline severity and dynamics of dermatological manifestations in dogs with HAC during the first 8 weeks of trilostane therapy. Materials and methods. A prospective uncontrolled observational study was conducted (November 2025 – June 2026) and included 20 dogs aged 8–14 years with a body weight of 3.3–50 kg receiving trilostane at an initial dose of 1 mg/kg/day with individual adjustment. The severity of 13 skin signs was assessed before treatment and at 4 and 8 weeks using a 4-point scale (0–3). Results. Before treatment, severe (3 points) thinning and reduced skin elasticity were noted in 15 of 20 dogs (75%), and alopecia, hypotrichosis and dry skin — in 11 (55%). By week 8, the number of dogs with severe alopecia and hypotrichosis decreased from 11 to 8 (from 55% to 40%), with severe skin thinning — from 15 to 12 (from 75% to 60%), with severe secondary skin infections — from 3 to 0, and with severe skin calcinosis — from 4 to 2. Phlebectasia and delayed wound healing did not change substantially. Conclusion. Dynamic assessment of skin signs can serve as an additional component of clinical monitoring in dogs with HAC, but does not replace laboratory and hormonal control. The study design does not allow a causal relationship between therapy and changes in individual signs to be established.