Addisonโs disease is an illness
that depletes the cortisol level in dogs. While Addisonโs
disease is relatively rare in humans (President Kennedy is one
of the most famous known cases), this illness occurs more
frequently in animals, especially female dogs. Here are five
key facts you should know about Addisonian dogs.
1. Addisonโs diseasecauses a
severe deficiency of the hormone cortisol
The adrenal glands produce hormones that are essential to
hundreds of actions within the body. Cortisol is one of these
hormones. Most people associated cortisol with stress and the
โfight or flightโ reaction, but this hormone also performs
functions throughout the body, including helping maintain blood
pressure and stimulating appetite. Addisonโs disease occurs
when the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands is
prohibited, depriving your pet of this essential hormone.
2. Symptoms of Addisonโs disease are frequently misdiagnosed
Signs of Addisonโs disease
include loss of appetite, increased thirst, weakness,
gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting, and
lethargy. Unfortunately, these symptoms are also common signs
of other ailments, which earns this disease the nickname โthe
great imitator.โ Vets may mistake these symptoms for illnesses
such as kidney failure, liver
disease, and gastrointestinal
diseases.
3. Addisonian Crisis may be the first sign of illness
Dogs may not show consistent or regular symptoms of Addisonโs
disease until they undergo Addisonian Crisis. This is a medical
emergency in which your dog may collapse or go into shock.
Symptoms of Addisonโs disease are more pronounced and severe
during Addisonian Crisis, and include weakness, shakiness, and
vomiting. Pets in Addisonian Crisis must be treated
immediately.
4. Ongoing treatment is key
Once your pet has been diagnosed with Addisonโs disease,
consistent treatment is necessary to maintain your dogโs
health. While there is no cure for Addisonโs disease, your pet
can live a normal life with the proper medication. Once your
vet prescribes medicine to balance adrenal deficiencies, your
pet will have to check in periodically in case hormonal levels
change. Addisonโs disease is fatal when left untreated.
5. Dogโs need increased treatment in times of stress
Cortisol is responsible for regulating stress. Your dog will
need an increased dosage of medicine when stress occurs since your
petโs adrenal glands will not be able to produce the
supplemental cortisol needed. Stressors will vary from dog to
dog, but they include injuries, illnesses, loud noises, changes
to routine, visits to the vet, and a move to a new home.
All You Need To Know About Addison's Disease in Dogs
Addison's disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is a
disease caused by the lack of corticosteroid secretion from
adrenalin glands located near the kidneys in dogs.
Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids are two important
hormones released by the adrenal glands that maintain healthy
functioning of the body. Both hormones have an important role
to play in fat, protein and sugar metabolism, influencing
sodium and potassium levels, and triggering fight or flight
response in dogs. Any imbalance in these hormonal levels create
complications and symptoms of Addison's disease in dogs.
Hypoadrenocorticism is rare in dogs, but when it occurs, it
affects mostly middle-aged and female dogs.
Symptoms of Addison's
disease in dogs
The symptoms of the disease vary greatly depending on its
duration. Fatal symptoms are observed when the disease reaches
an acute stage. However, the common symptoms observed are as
follows:
- Lack of appetite or anorexia
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Lethargy and depression
- Frequent urination (polyuria)
- Excessive drinking (polydipsia)
- Low body temperature
- Faint pulse rate
- Blood discharge in feces
- Pain in abdomen
Diagnosis
In order to diagnose Addison's disease, a veterinarian performs
a thorough examination of the dog's physical symptoms with the
help of laboratory tests, complete blood count testing,
biochemistry profile testing, and urinalysis. The blood count
test reveals signs of anemia, which is characterized by
abnormal levels of eosinophils and lymphocytes.The biochemistry
profile testing reveals higher potassium levels and an
accumulation of urea in the blood. The test also reveals lower
blood sugar, sodium and chlorine levels and higher calcium
levels and liver enzymes. The urinalysis shows low urine
concentration.However, detecting the cortisol levels in the
body is a definitive test for diagnosing Addison's disease in
dogs. Generally, the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
produced by the pituitary gland stimulates the release of
cortisol by the adrenal glands. In ACTH test, the dog is
injected with ACTH; if it does not show increased cortisol
levels, then the diagnosis of Addison's disease is confirmed.
Treatment
An acute episode of hypoadrenocorticism requires immediate
hospitalization and treatment. The treatment for Addison's
disease in dogs is largely dependent on the severity and type
of symptoms. The common treatment for the disease involves the
replacement of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids in the
body using fludrocortisone. The drug is administered twice a
day after monitoring the potassium and sodium levels in the
blood. After the dog's electrolyte imbalances are regulated, it
is brought down to two to three times a year.DOCP is a
relatively newer treatment option where the injection is given
once every 25 days. This options is seen to provide better
regulation of electrolytes than fludrocortisone. However, some
dogs on DOCP treatment may require a low dose of prednisone.
This information is for informational
purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the
professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your
veterinarian. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or
other qualified professional with any questions you may have
regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking
professional advice due to what you may have read on our
website.
