ADDISON'S DISEASE

Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism is caused by a lower than normal production of hormones, such as cortisol, by the adrenal glands.  Adrenal hormones are necessary to balance levels of sodium, potassium, and glucose in the body.

Addison’s disease typically affects young or middle-aged female dogs; the average age being about 4 years old, and is less common than the opposite condition, Cushing's syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism).

Symptoms of Addison's disease

The signs of Addison’s disease may be severe and appear suddenly, or may occur intermittently and vary in severity, and may include the following:

When a pet is stressed, their adrenal glands produce more cortisol, which helps them deal with the stress.  Because dogs with Addison’s disease cannot make enough cortisol, they cannot cope with stress, therefore symptoms may occur or worsen when stressed.  What a dog finds stressful depends upon his or her temperament.  For many dogs, any change in their day-to-day routine, such as being boarded or having house guests, is stressful and may precipitate or worsen signs of Addison’s disease.

Addison's disease is difficult to diagnose.  The animal's history, physical examination and initial laboratory tests may provide suspicion for Addison's disease and your veterinarian may perform a more specific test, an ACTH challenge, which can determine if your pet is suffering from this disorder.

Although this disease is not curable, it is treatable with appropriate medication and veterinary monitoring.  Long-term treatment can be given orally or by injection.  There are two stages of treatment for Addison’s disease; in-hospital treatment and long term treatment.  Very sick dogs with Addison’s disease require intravenous fluids, cortisol-like drugs and drugs to neutralize the effects of potassium on the heart.

Home Care

Follow your veterinarian’s instructions.  Observe your dog for weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or change in attitude.  You should also observe your dog for improvement or worsening of clinical signs.  Follow-up with your veterinarian for routine re-evaluation of blood tests so as to maximize the chance for successful treatment.

 

 

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