If your dog has been diagnosed with Addison’s disease, it is normal to feel a little uneasy about what this means for you and your pet. Addison’s disease is a fairly common disease in dogs and a condition that we are used to dealing with here at Pawsome Vets.
We know that during a consultation, there can be a lot of information to digest when discussing Addison’s disease, so let’s explore it here in more detail.
What Is Addison’s In Dogs?
Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, is a condition where a dog’s adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, called cortisol and aldosterone.
If we break down the word hypoadrenocorticism, we have “hypo” meaning low or below normal, “adreno” relating to the adrenal glands and “corticism” relating to the adrenal cortex (inside the glands) that produce the hormones.
The adrenal glands are two small glands located near the kidneys that play a vital role in helping the body to perform normally. The two hormones regulate many different functions within the body.
- Cortisol: This hormone helps the body to regulate the immune system, supports metabolism and responds to stress signals.
- Aldosterone: This hormone controls the balance of the electrolytes sodium and potassium in the body. This helps to maintain hydration levels, blood pressure and organ function.
When there is a lack of these hormones within the body, dogs can struggle to regulate their fluid balance, blood pressure and electrolyte levels. If left untreated, this can cause an Addisonian crisis.
What Is An Addisonian Crisis?
This is a life-threatening emergency that happens when a dog who suffers with Addison’s disease has very low levels of cortisol and aldosterone. This can cause the dog to become critically ill, and without urgent veterinary treatment can unfortunately be fatal.
Symptoms of an Addisonian crisis include:
- Vomiting and Diarrhoea
- Collapse
- Shaking
- Trembling
- Pale gums
- Low temperature
- Loss of consciousness
Dogs who are experiencing an Addisonian crisis require intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances as well as injectable steroid medication.
Once stabilised, many dogs respond very well to treatment and can begin a long-term management plan.
What Does Addison’s Disease Look Like In Dogs?
Many dogs can show a number of different symptoms throughout their lives before receiving a formal diagnosis. In other dogs, symptoms can happen suddenly, causing an Addisonian crisis.
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Diarrhoea
- Increased urination
- Increased thirst
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
- Slow heart rate
- Abdominal pain
- Shaking
- Trembling
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and have different presentations depending on a case by case basis. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, it might not be Addison’s disease, however, we recommend contacting us as soon as possible on 01623 203529.
How Is Addison’s Disease Diagnosed In Dogs
Our experienced team of veterinary surgeons will guide you through the diagnostic process for your dog. Rest assured, they will be in the safest hands throughout the testing period.
Blood Sampling
Blood tests are often the first step in investigating Addison’s disease. They allow us to assess electrolyte levels and look for changes that may suggest the condition.
Dogs with Addison’s usually have low sodium levels and high potassium levels due to a lack of the aldosterone hormone.
However, not all dogs show electrolyte imbalances, as some dogs can suffer with atypical Addison’s disease, where the sodium and potassium levels remain normal.
ACTH Stimulation Test
In many instances, we will carry out an ACTH stimulation test. This involves taking a blood sample, placing an intravenous catheter and administering a synthetic hormone. After a period of time, a second blood sample is taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
The synthetic hormone should stimulate the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. However, dogs with Addison’s disease do not respond to the hormone, so their cortisol remains low.
Urine Testing
Dogs that have Addison’s disease often produce diluted urine. With a urine sample, we can assess the concentration of the urine as well as looking at your dog’s hydration status and kidney function.
Addison’s In Dogs Treatment
In order to treat Addison’s disease, we need to replace the hormones that the adrenal glands are not producing. Addison’s disease cannot be cured, but dogs live a long and happy life with regular medication and monitoring.
Cortisol is replaced by using steroids. The dose may need changing over time, so regular monitoring is essential. This can be administered orally with steroid tablets.
In order to replace aldosterone, dogs require an injection to help regulate sodium and potassium levels. This contains desoxycorticosterone pivalate and replaces the mineralocorticoid activity.
Whilst this all sounds very scary along with a lot of long and complicated words, the treatment essentially replaces the hormones needed in order for your dog to function normally.
If you have any questions, your vet will be able to help and explain things in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions: Addison’s In Dogs
How long does a dog with Addison’s live?
After diagnosis, many dogs with Addison’s live long, happy and normal lives alongside medication and regular vet visits.
What not to feed a dog with Addison’s disease?
Dogs with Addison’s disease do not require a specific diet. As long as they receive a balanced and complete diet, then no change is needed.
Is a dog in pain with Addison’s disease?
Addison’s is not usually a painful disease. Sometimes, the symptoms associated with Addison’s can cause a little discomfort, especially if they are particularly unwell. Once treatment is started, they should live a normal, happy life.
What breed of dog is prone to Addison’s disease?
Addison’s can affect any breed of dog, but we see a higher risk in breeds such as Standard Poodles, Bearded Collies, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, West Highland Terriers and Portuguese Water Dogs.
