Addison's Disease In Dogs

Addison's disease is the common name for hypoadrenocorticism disorder or adrenal insufficiency. Addison's disease is a disorder with symptoms that are common to many other physical ailments, making diagnosis difficult and sometimes a process of elimination. But once Addison's disease is correctly diagnosed, a properly treated dog can live a normal, active life.

The adrenal, one on each kidney, is composed of two layers, the cortex and the medulla. The outer area of the kidney, or cortex, secretes corticosteroid hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone. The medulla part of the kidney, part of the sympathetic nervous system, secretes adrenaline or epinephrine, which is generally not affected by Addison's disease. There are three forms of Addison's disease in dog primary secondary and atypical. Primary and atypical Addison's disease is usually the reason behind immune mediated damage to the glands. Secondary hypoadrenocorticism is from failure of the pituitary hormones to stimulate the adrenals with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It is important for the owners to know which type of Addison's disease their dog is being treated for.

The symptoms of Addison's disease in dog can be unclear. More importantly, the diseases are similar to the symptoms of many different problems. Initially, the diseased dog may be listless, or seem depressed. Most of the dogs are reported as just seeming off, or losing the normal sparkle in their eye. Lack of appetite in them is a good indicator. Other symptoms of Addison's disease include gastro-intestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea. Pain in the generalized muscle or hindquarters weakness such as a dog that can not jump onto the couch or bed as he has done in the past is not uncommon. Muscle tremors or shivering may also be present. The most important thing to remember is that owners should know their dog better than anyone. If something seems amiss the owners should have it checked out.

The symptoms of the Addison's disease may wax and wane over months or years making the diagnosis difficult. If the adrenals continue to deteriorate, ultimately the diseased dog will have an acute episode called an Addisonian crisis. Potassium levels of the body system elevate and disrupt normal function of the heart. The indicators of kidney function, Creatinine and BUN levels, are often elevated. At this point most of the dogs are diagnosed with renal failure, as the kidneys are unable to function properly. Typically the diseased dogs are given IV solutions for rehydration, which may produce an almost unbelievable recovery. This condition too, is a great sign that failure of the adrenals rather than of the kidneys is creating the Addison's disease symptoms.

There are several effective medications used to treat the Addison's diseased dogs. The first type of medicines acts as a mineralocorticoid and replaces the aldosterone, the hormone responsible for maintaining electrolyte levels. It is replaced with either an injectable desoxycorticosterone pivalate or DOCP or the oral medication called fludrocortisone acetate. While the Addison's diseased dog will need medications and monitoring for the rest of his life, most dogs with Addison's can return to their favorite activities. The owners should learn to read their dog, understand what his stress triggers are and follow their instincts to overcome the adversity and learn from this experience and also to help the dog lead a normal, active and fun-filled life.

• John Palsson
• 25/12/2008, 6:59 PM
• 0 Comments