Addison’s Disease in Dog:

Dogs who suffer from Addison’s disease are also known to be suffering from hypoadrenocorticism. This is a disease in which the adrenal gland suffers and is not able to function normally. Addison’s disease in dogs is very similar to that in humans. The adrenal glands are small bean-shaped glands that are present right next to the kidneys. Though these glands are quite small, they perform many important functions. They secrete a hormone named cortisol, which is essential for decreasing inflammation in the body and functioning of the immune system. It also regulates the number of white blood cells in the body. The hormone cortisone boosts the fat production, reduces the white blood cells number, decreases inflammatory reactions and suppresses the protective immune system. Another hormone named epinephrine is also secreted by the adrenal glands. This hormone is vital for regulating the levels of blood sugar, the rate of heart beats and the time taken by the blood to clot. The adrenal glands are also responsible for a dog’s response in threatening situations. Another hormone named adrenaline causes the blood to rush to the limbs of the dogs, allowing it to either fight or flee from a threatening situation. Though the disease usually affects dogs in their middle ages, young females are also particularly susceptible. This is quite an uncommon common disease.

Symptoms: The progression of this disease is rather slow. Due to this slow progression, doctors are often unable to diagnose the disease. Symptoms of addisons disease in dogs seen are hypothermia, anorexia, diarrhea, painful stomach, weakness, decrease in heart rate, vomiting, dehydration, blood in stools, trembling, loss of appetite, depression and loss of hair in patches. Irregularities in the heart beat and a consistent decline in the blood pressure until it becomes very low is seen in dogs who are suffering from Addison’s disease.

Diagnosis: To determine the deficiency of cortisol, a blood test is required. Later, the dog may be asked to take an ACTH stimulation test. When the SCTH is injected in a normal dog, blood cortisol levels will rise. However, if a dog is suffering from Addison’s disease, blood cortisol levels will not see any changes.

Treatment: Addison’s disease in dogs may be life threatening. This requires treatment and administration of intravenous saline water; this synthetic cortisol becomes extremely important in order to keep the symptoms repressed. After the initial symptoms have subsided, the disease can be managed through medication.