Addison's disease, technically called Hypoadrenocorticism, is a type of rare ailment that affects young and middle-aged dogs. It is not very well known and even some veterinarians have a hard time recognizing the symptoms. It is due to the inability of the animal's body to produce certain hormones. Although it is difficult to diagnose, dogs that receive the correct treatment can lead normal and he althy lives.
If your dog is constantly sick and none of the medications have any effect, you may be interested in continuing reading this article from Expertoaninal on Addison's disease in dogs, its causes, symptoms and treatment.
Canine Addison - Causes of Addison's Disease in Dogs
As we have mentioned, this disease is caused by the inability of the dog's brain to release certain hormones, called adrenocorticotropic hormones (ACTH). These are responsible for maintaining the correct sugar levels, controlling the balance between sodium and potassium in the body, supporting heart function or controlling the immune system, among others.
This disease is not contagious or infectious so there is no danger if sick dogs have contact with other animals or humans. It's just a bug in our friend's body.
Symptoms of Addison's disease in dogs
Addison's disease in dogs causes, among others, the following clinical symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Hair loss
- Skin sensitivity
- Inappetence
- Weightloss.
- Dehydration
- Apathy
- Abdominal pain
- Drink a lot of water
- You urinate too much
These are just some of the symptoms that the animal may present. Due to the wide variety of ailments it can cause, Addison's disease is often confused with other diseases, which is why treatments are often prescribed that are not they work and the dog does not improve, being able to die.
However, if your dog shows any of these symptoms you should not be scaredas this does not mean that he has the disease Addison. Just take him to the vet and he'll find out what's wrong with him.
Diagnosis of canine hyperadrenocorticism
To diagnose Addison's disease in dogs, the first thing the veterinarian will do is consult our friend's medical history, followed by physical examinations and diagnostic testscomposed of blood and urine tests, ultrasound and abdominal X-rays.
Also, to confirm if it is this rare disease, there is a test known as the ACTH stimulation test, with which They will find out if this hormone is lacking in the dog or if the adrenal glands are not responding properly to it. This test is not at all invasive and is generally not overly expensive.
Treatment of Addison's disease in dogs
Once the disease is diagnosed it is very easy to treat and our friend will be able to enjoy a totally normal life. The vet will prescribe the hormones in the form of pills so that we can administer them to the dog according to her instructions. This treatment will have to be given to the animal throughout its life.
Normally, corticosteroids should also be given at first, but probably over time the dose can be reduced until they are completely eliminated.
The vet will do regular exams on our furry friend throughout his life to make sure the pills are working properly and that the dog is perfectly he althy.
