Content
- What is Addison's Disease?
- What are the symptoms of Addison's disease?
- Detecting Addison's Disease
- Treatment for Addison's Disease
Addison's disease, technically called hypoadrenocorticism, is a type of rare disease that young and middle-aged puppies can suffer. It is not very well known and even some veterinarians have difficulty recognizing the symptoms.
It is due to the inability of the animal's body to produce certain hormones. Despite being difficult to diagnose, dogs that receive the right treatment can lead a normal and healthy life.
If your dog is constantly sick and no medication works, you may be interested in continuing to read this PeritoAnimal article about Addison's disease in dogs.
What is Addison's Disease?
As mentioned, this disease is caused by inability of the dog's brain to release certain hormones, called adrenocorticotropic (ACTH). These are responsible for keeping sugar levels at the correct levels, controlling the balance between sodium and potassium in the body, supporting heart function or controlling the immune system, among others.
this disease it is neither contagious nor infectious, so there is no danger if sick dogs come into contact with other animals or humans. It's simply a flaw in our friend's body.
What are the symptoms of Addison's disease?
Addison's disease in puppies causes, among others, the following clinical symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- vomiting
- hair loss
- skin sensitivity
- loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Apathy
- Abdominal pain
- drink a lot of water
- too much urine
These are just some of the symptoms your pet may have. Due to the wide variety of illnesses it can cause, Addison's disease it is usually confused with other diseases, so many times medicines are prescribed that do not work and the dog does not get better, and may even die.
However, if your puppy has any of these symptoms shouldn't be scared, as this does not mean that you have Addison's disease. Simply take him to the vet to find out what's going on with your pet.
Detecting Addison's Disease
To diagnose Addison's disease in dogs, the first thing the veterinarian will do is consult our friend's medical history, followed by physical reviews and diagnostic tests composed of blood and urine analysis, ultrasound and abdominal radiographs.
Also, to confirm that it is this rare disease, there is a test known as ACTH stimulation test, with which they will find out if this hormone is non-existent in the dog or if the adrenal glands do not respond properly to it. This test is non-invasive and usually inexpensive.
Treatment for Addison's Disease
Once the disease is diagnosed, it's very easy to treat and your friend will be able to enjoy a totally normal life. The veterinarian will prescribe the hormones in tablet form to administer to the dog as directed. You will have to give the animal this treatment throughout its life.
Normally, at the beginning you may also have to give steroids, but it is likely that over time you can reduce the dose until you eliminate them completely.
the veterinarian will do periodic exams to your dog throughout his life to make sure that the pills are working properly and that the dog is perfectly healthy.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.