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What is Addison’s Disease In Dogs?
Addison’s disease in dogs is an endocrine disorder that causes the inadequate production of hormones by the outer cortex of adrenal glands. It is commonly known as hypoadrenocorticism. This is very rare but can be fatal if not treated early.
What are Adrenal Glands and what is their function?
The adrenal glands are tiny, triangular-shaped glands that are present on top of each kidney. These glands are responsible for the production of many hormones that are for maintaining proper physiological functions in the body. These hormones include Cortisol (which helps regulate metabolism, blood sugar levels, and the body’s response to stress), Aldosterone (which regulates electrolytes in the blood and plays an important role in maintaining blood pressure and fluid balance), and Epinephrine and Norepinephrine (helps the body respond to stress by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redirecting blood flow to vital organs).
What Are The Causes Of Addison’s Disease?
The progressive degeneration of the adrenal glands is the main cause of Addison’s disease in dogs. This disease causes an autoimmune reaction, in which the immune system of the dog unintentionally attacks and destroys its adrenal tissues, which may cause this destruction of the gland.
The function of the adrenal gland can also be devastated by other less common things such as Tumors, Infections, or the use of specific drugs. During the treatment of Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism, in which there is more production of hormones by adrenal glands), the medications that are used to reduce the level of cortisol and aldosterone can reduce their amount to a dangerous level and cause Addison’s disease.
What Are The Symptoms Of Addison’s Disease?
It might be difficult to identify Addison’s disease in dogs because the symptoms are frequently mild and can be mistaken for other medical conditions. Common signs include:
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of Appetite
- Weight loss
- Shivering or Trembling
- Increased Thirst and Urination
- Collapse
How To Diagnose Hypoadrenocorticism?
Diagnosis of addison’s disease requires a combination of clinical indicators including blood testing and occasionally precise imaging. If there are any abnormalities in electrolytes, especially low sodium, and high potassium levels, they are indicative of the condition. This abnormality can be found in blood testing. An abdominal ultrasound,CT scan, or MRI can be done to evaluate the adrenal glands, or an ACTH stimulation test can be done to identify Addison’s disease.
What Are The Treatment Of Addison’s Disease In Dogs?:
Luckily, with the right veterinary treatment, dogs with Addison’s disease can be stabilized. Hydrocortisone, a synthetic version of cortisol, is the most frequently prescribed drug to treat the disease. Prednisone and dexamethasone are alternative choices. The drug is typically given throughout the day in divided dosages’ to stimulate the body’s normal cortisol production.
If there is any abnormality in the production of aldosterone, It may be necessary to give fludrocortisone, a mineralocorticoid. This drug helps in keeping the body’s salt and water balance stable. Depending on the demands of the patient such as their stress level, and other variables, the dosage of their drugs may need to be changed. Sometimes, under severe illness or stress extra doses of corticosteroids are used.
In emergencies such as surgery, or other stressful circumstances injection of hydrocortisone is used.
What Are The Prognosis For A Dog With Addison’s Disease?
With proper treatment and regular veterinary checkups, dogs with Addison’s disease can have normal, happy, and healthy lives. It is essential for a dog owner to follow all the prescriptions and monitor the dog’s condition for any changes.
FAQs About Addison’s Disease In Dogs:
There is a hereditary component to Addison’s disease in some breeds. The breeds with a higher risk include Standard Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, Bearded Collies, and West Highland White Terriers. It’s important to remember that not all dogs with a genetic tendency will experience the condition, even if genetics can play a part. Its start is also influenced by unknown substances and environmental factors.
Since Addison’s disease has a genetic component, preventing it can absolutely be difficult. Responsible pet owners can take several precautions to reduce the danger and efficiently manage the disease. A balanced diet, frequent veterinarian visits, and keeping on monitoring for any strange behavior or symptoms can all help with early discovery and successful treatment.
Dogs with Addison’s disease can live comparatively normal lives if diagnosed and treated appropriately. If they are provided with constant therapy and routine veterinarians care, dogs with Addison’s disease typically have a beneficial future. When given the right medication and kept under their owners’ close supervision, dogs can lead happy, meaningful lives that are on the same level as those of healthy dogs.
Diagnosing Addison’s Disease in dogs involves a combination of clinical signs, blood tests, and sometimes additional diagnostic procedures. Veterinarians typically conduct blood tests to assess electrolyte levels, kidney function, and adrenal gland hormones. In some cases, an ACTH stimulation test may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management of the disease.
1-Standard Poodles
2-Portuguese Water Dogs
3-Bearded Collies
4-West Highland White Terriers
Hormone replacement therapy is the most common treatment for Addison’s disease, alternative methods of treatment can also be evaluated and taken into account. These can involve changing diet of affected dog, practicing stress reduction strategies, and taking herbal supplements. Before researching alternative treatments, it’s necessary to speak with a veterinarian to make sure they complement the main medical strategy and are compatible with approved drugs
