Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism), Urination Problems
Addison's disease is faily rare, and most cases are the result of an atrophy of the adrenal gland. Addison's disease is the opposite from Cushing's disease. Cortisol production is deficient instead of overabundant. In Addison's disease, cortisol production is not the only problem, however, becasue other adrenal hormones will be insufficiently produced. Addison's disease can be fatal, because dogs can't survive without adrenal hormones.
Two iatrogenic ("doctor-caused") forms of Addison's disease may occur in dogs with adrenal damage from having been overtreated with certain corticosteroids for inflammatory conditions. Some of these patients recover with time if the medicine is withdrawn, but in others, the damage to the adrenals is permanent.
The other form or iatrogenic Addison's disease can occur in Cushing's disease patients overtreated with a drug used to control cortisol overproduction. In this form of Addison's disease, damage to the adrenals is permanent.
SIGNS of ADDISON'S DISEASE Depression is often the first sign of Addison's disease. The dog may be weak, have little energy, and become anemic. Appetite may be diminished and the dog may loose weight. It may also vomit and have loose stools. Some dogs with Addison's disease drink and urinate a lot. An important clinical sign of Addison's disease is that the signs can come and go.
TREATMENT AND AFTERCARE of ADDISON'S DISEASE Diagnosis of Addison's disease involves blood tests to check levels of the chemicals produces by different organs. Because this disease is potentially life-threatening, treatment may begin before test results confirm the diagnosis.
Dogs with this disease may have very low blood pressure and abnormal electrolyte levels. These are serious signs that can cause shock and death. Both these problems can be helped by increasing fluid intake. Rehydration therapy is started immediately, even before beginning to treat the adrenal problem.
To treat Addison's disease, the dog is administered the hormones it is unable to produce. Cortisone is the easiest to replace; low doses of the drug prednisone are used for this. The adrenally produced mineral corticoids are more difficult to replace. These hormones normally regulate production of electrolytes, without which the body is unable to function. The medication for this can be given orally on a daily basis, injected monthly or implanted under the skin in pellet form every ten months. A dog must be retested periodically to assure proper dosage.
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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