Addison’s Disease In Dogs: Symptoms And Treatment
Known in the veterinary world as hypoadrenocorticism, Addison’s disease in dogs manifests with symptoms very similar to those in humans. The adrenal glands are unable to produce the right amount of certain hormones, such as cortisol, on their own, which triggers a number of health problems.
While not necessarily fatal, Addison’s disease is a condition that needs to be treated rigorously in order for the dog to lead a normal life. In this regard, an early diagnosis will make a difference.
Symptoms of Addison’s Disease in Dogs
Due to the type of development Addison’s disease has in dogs, it is very difficult to realize the problem until the animal shows severe symptoms. It is difficult for a veterinarian to say that the animal is suffering from this disease, as the symptoms are similar to those of other more common diseases.
The dog will show vomiting and diarrhea more and more frequently, with progressive weight loss up to anorexia levels. The first thing you will notice is the loss of vitality, with less strength than usual, and even a little depression.
It will be more obvious that it is Addison’s disease when the dog starts shaking and his heart rate drops. This disease is extremely serious and must be treated as soon as possible.
If the dog suffers from these symptoms and if they are due to Addison’s disease, vomiting and diarrhea will return. On the other hand, if it is another more common ailment, with a simple treatment the problem will be definitively solved.
In order to diagnose the disease, it is necessary to carry out a complete examination of the animal, with blood and urine tests, an x-ray in the abdominal area and, if necessary, an ultrasound.
If the vet feels that there is still time to cure the disease, they will recommend a test to verify it 100%, which is called an ACTH stimulation test. ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) is the hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands, which are responsible for the release of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. This test takes a few hours of hospitalization, but it’s worth it.
Long-term treatment and solutions
The degree of danger to the life of the animal will depend on the stage of development of the disease. If Addison’s disease is diagnosed in time it can be kept under control without any problems. But if he gets to an advanced state where the dog’s pulse is weak and the blood pressure is too low, his life is in serious danger.
The first thing to do is to administer intravenous fluids to hydrate the animal. Once the dog is at an acceptable level of hydration, it will be necessary to administer the hormones that the body is unable to generate on its own.
Glucocorticoids will be given first, but some animals will also need mineralocorticoids, which can be given in pills or intravenously.
The disadvantage of the treatment is that it does not cure the disease, but rather minimizes the symptoms by providing what the body needs to maintain its optimal state. As a result, Addison’s disease in dogs requires periodic visits to the vet to administer hormones.
On the plus side, dogs suffering from this nasty disease can still lead normal lives, with all the vitality they had before. Sometimes it will be necessary to adjust the hormone doses to keep them at 100%, but despite being a chronic disease, your dog will live a full and happy life.
