DISEASES OF DOGS

Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options

If you see this icon in a fact sheet summary you may be dealing with a life threatening issue. Consult a veterinarian immediately.

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ADDISON'S DISEASE

Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, is a hormonal disorder. Relatively uncommon, the disease is caused by the abnormal production of cortisol or aldosterone, or both, which are normally produced by the adrenal glands. If these glands are diseased or damaged the level of hormone required for healthy function is no longer produced. The pituitary gland — another hormone producing gland, located close to the brain — can also influence the adrenals. If the pituitary gland is not functioning correctly this can also cause a decrease in the level of cortisol and aldosterone.

Note: Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease) should not be confused with hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing’s disease.

SEVERITY: Variable to Severe. In dogs suffering an acute Addisonian crisis the disease can be life threatening. Although this is fairly uncommon, if you suspect Addison’s book a veterinary consult at Alpine Animal Doctors as soon as possible. See symptoms.

Some of the signs seen in dogs presenting with Addison’s are lethargy and weakness, loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhoea, shaking, increased thirst and increased urination.

The signs are variable and, particularly in patients with the chronic form of the disease, may be limited. In dogs suffering an acute Addisonian crisis symptoms may be severe and life threatening. As many of the symptoms of Addison’s can very easily be confused with non-specific diseases, particularly gastrointestinal disease or kidney disease, it’s very important that dogs showing these symptoms be examined by a vet as soon as possible to establish the true cause and to hopefully rule out Addison’s Disease.

The average age at which dogs are affected is about four years old but Addison’s can strike dogs as young as a year old as well as older pets, up to twelve years of age. Female dogs seem to be at higher risk than males.

Fortunately, Addison’s is an uncommon to rare disease in dogs, and sometimes cats. Some breeds seem more predisposed, including Great Danes, Rottweilers, Poodles, West Highland White terriers and Wheaten terriers.

A general blood test will alert us that all is not right. It is common to see electrolyte disturbances, and sometimes anaemia (low red blood cell count) or even liver enzyme elevation. A blood test will usually also reveal any disturbances with kidney function.

Although these results are indicative of Addison’s they do not provide confirmation and we will usually run a second test — an ACTH stimulation — to definitively confirm the presence of the disease. This involves taking a second blood test then injecting the patient with a hormone called ACTH, designed to stimulate the adrenals to produce cortisone. An hour later a follow-up blood test is taken to measure how much the cortisone levels have increased in the blood stream. If they have not increased at all it suggests that the adrenal glands are not working and your pet has Addison’s disease.

An animal confirmed to have Addison’s disease will need life long hormone replacement medication, and may need increased doses during periods of stress such as travel, hospitalisation and surgery.

We will usually need to take weekly baseline blood tests until their hormones are stabilised. To check their electrolytes and kidney function they will then need a blood test once a month for the first 3-6 months, then a routine blood test every 3-12 months.

Unless Addison’s has been caused by a pituitary or adrenal cancer the vast majority of patients with hypoadrenocorticism have a good to excellent prognosis following stabilisation and treatment. With proper care most Addison’s sufferers will continue to live active and healthy lives.

MORE DISEASES OF DOGS

DOGS: ADVICE FOR EMERGENCIES

ALL of the articles in this section cover symptoms that require immediate veterinary treatment.

E&OE. The information provided in the articles on this site is intended as a guide to assist readers to become better informed about health issues that may affect their pets and livestock. They are not a substitute for appropriate veterinary advice and treatment. They should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any individual animal and no person should place reliance on information derived from them, where such reliance may result in loss, damage or injury. Always consult a qualified veterinarian to obtain advice.

Although Alpine Animal Doctors make every effort to ensure that the information contained in our articles is accurate and up-to-date we can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions that may occur.