Now that my dog has Addison’s, what can I do at home to make their quality of life

better?

Keep up with scheduled recheck examinations with your vet.

Salt. Surprised? Adding salt to your Addisonian dog’s diet will help maintain electrolyte balance.

Monitor for signs of steroid overdose, as your pet’s dosage may need to be decreased to best fit their individual needs. Signs to look for include:

o Increased urination (volume and frequency)

o Increased appetite

o Increased thirst

o Weight gain

o Hair loss

o Changes in skin pigmentation

Never abruptly discontinue steroid therapy in your pet, as this could result in an Addisonian crisis.

What is Addison’s disease?

Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is an endocrine condition of the adrenal gland involving insufficient production of key hormones that regulate metabolism, electrolyte balance, and response to stress.

The adrenal glands are located in front of the kidneys and are composed of an outer portion (adrenal cortex) and the inner core (adrenal medulla). Addison’s disease involves the outer adrenal cortex, resulting in deficiencies of both stress hormones (glucocorticoids) and hormones involved in electrolyte balance (mineralocorticoids). Because these two pieces are fundamental to every body system, the signs and symptoms of this disease may be highly variable.

Patients may present with extreme clinical signs, including vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and severe dehydration. This is referred to as an acute Addisonian crisis and warrants immediate medical attention. The other presentation is more long-term and less emergent, involving waxing and waning of non-specific clinical signs.

ALL ABOUT ADDISON’S

The Canine Edition Stacy Church, Dylan Djani, Aaron Galton, Bill Lloyd

Ask me about the adrenal

glands!

How will I know my dog has Addison’s? What

should I be looking for?

A complete clinical work-up is required in order to confirm the diagnosis of Addison’s disease. If Addison’s is suspected, your veterinarian will recommend an ACTH stimulation test, which involves drawing blood and measuring stress hormone levels before and after administering a steroid injection. The veterinarian will interpret the results and determine the best treatment. Treatment generally involves the following:Acute patients:

IV fluids Adrenal hormone supplementation

o Injectable Management of electrolytes and

glucose in the bloodstreamChronic patients:

Long term hormone replacement o Oral glucocorticoidso Oral vs. injectable

mineralocorticoids

Addison’s is diagnosed most commonly in middle aged, female dogs (4-6 years)

Some dogs may present with drastic clinical signs (Addisonian crisis).

o Extreme dehydration Dry/sticky gums Sunken eyes

o Pale white gumso Significant vomiting/diarrheao Significant lethargy/weaknesso Seizures or muscle trembling

Chronic signs vary extremely and may come and go, making the diagnosis more difficult.

o Increased urination and thirsto Lethargy and weight losso Vomiting and diarrheao Muscle weakness or tremblingo Decreased appetite

Patients with Addison’s may be at risk for megaesophagus and regurgitation, which may lead to aspiration pneumonia. Contact a veterinarian if your pet seems to be breathing hard.

When should I call my Veterinarian??

Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect an Addisonian crisis. (See inside)

Your pet is drinking large amounts of water or urinating more frequently or excessively.

Your pet is straining to urinate or the urine appears to contain blood.

You have any concerns about your pet’s overall health and well being.

How is Addison’s diagnosed and

treated?