What is Addison's disease in dogs?
Addison's disease in dogs is a condition where the body does not produce enough cortisol and, in many cases, enough aldosterone.
What do cortisol and aldosterone do?
Cortisol helps regulate metabolism and immune function, while aldosterone plays an important role in hydration and electrolyte balance. When a dog doesn't produce enough of these hormones, it can affect several important functions throughout the body.
Why is Addison's disease called "the great pretender"?
Addison's disease is often called "the great pretender" because its clinical signs can look like many other conditions in dogs, making it easy to overlook initially. Dogs may have general lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and other symptoms that can be associated with many different illnesses. That's why Addison's disease may be considered when we're trying to determine the underlying cause of these signs.
What are common symptoms of Addison's disease in dogs?
Some of the most common symptoms of Addison's disease in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and lethargy. We may also see muscle tremors and, in some cases, abnormal heart rates.
What is an Addisonian crisis?
An Addisonian crisis is when Addison's disease becomes a true medical emergency. Hormone and electrolyte levels can become severely abnormal, and dogs may experience sudden collapse, shock, and changes in heart rate. An Addisonian crisis can be life-threatening, so if you're concerned that your dog may be experiencing one, seek veterinary care immediately. Contact Blue Oasis Pet Hospital or go directly to an emergency veterinary hospital so your dog can receive care as quickly as possible.
How do veterinarians diagnose Addison's disease in dogs?
As with other endocrine diseases, diagnosing Addison's disease starts with a thorough physical examination and a detailed history from the pet owner. We also rely heavily on laboratory testing. We may check a baseline cortisol level, and if the results raise concern for Addison's disease, we'll typically perform an ACTH stimulation test. This test challenges the adrenal glands so we can see whether they're able to respond by producing more cortisol or whether cortisol levels remain low.
How is Addison's disease in dogs treated?
Addison's disease is treated with an oral steroid for most patients. Dogs with typical Addison's disease, where aldosterone production is also affected, will usually receive an injectable medication called DOCP. For many patients, DOCP is given about once a month, although the schedule can vary depending on the individual dog. This medication helps replace the effects of the aldosterone their body is not producing adequately.
What is the outlook for dogs with Addison's disease?
It can initially be scary when a dog presents in an Addisonian crisis, which is why it's so important to seek veterinary care if you're noticing concerning signs. However, once we get them through the crisis, or if we diagnose Addison's disease before a crisis occurs, dogs can live very long, happy lives with appropriate treatment and ongoing monitoring.
You’re never alone in caring for your pet’s health. At Blue Oasis Pet Hospital, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Call (615) 975-2583 or email [email protected] to connect with us today.