What are the first signs of Addison’s disease in dogs?
Clinical signs of Addison’s disease are usually vague and non-specific, meaning there are no particular signs that indicate a diagnosis of the disease. Addisonian patients may present with lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, increased thirst, increased urination, and unplanned weight loss. Addisonians may be misdiagnosed with gastrointestinal disease, dehydration, kidney disease, pancreatitis, a ruptured bladder, or certain types of poisonings. The only way to definitively diagnose Addison’s disease is through an ACTH stimulation test.Addison’s disease is generally deemed to lead to irreversible cell-mediated immune destruction of the adrenal glands. For this reason, patients receive detailed counselling and education on the need for lifelong replacement therapy.Addison’s disease, or primary adrenal insufficiency, was first described by Addison in 1855 as follows: “the characteristic features…are general languor and debility, remarkable feebleness of the heart’s action, irritability of the stomach, and a peculiar change of colour in the skin, occurring in connexion with a .Diuretics and acetazolamide should be avoided unless clearly indicated. In 40% of people living with Addison’s disease (autoimmune adrenalitis/primary adrenal insufficiency (see primary adrenal insufficiency, PAI) only the adrenal glands have ceased hormone production. More often, other glands are affected as well.
How do you fix Addison’s disease in dogs?
Treatment. Typical forms of Addison’s disease require lifelong cortisol and aldosterone supplementation. Cortisol is supplemented with daily oral steroids, such as prednisone. Aldosterone is supplemented with an injection, such as Percorten or Zycortal, about once per month. There is no cure for Addison’s Disease in dogs, however, the condition can be managed with ongoing hormone replacement therapy and regular blood tests to check hormone and electrolyte levels so that adjustments to medications can be made as necessary.To encourage eating in a dog with Addison’s disease, offer a balanced and nutritious diet, smaller and more frequent meals, warm the food, and consult with your veterinarian for appetite stimulants.Fortunately, with proper treatment, dogs diagnosed with Addison’s disease are expected to have normal lifespans. Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce the hormones that they are in charge of in the body.People with Addison’s disease must be aware of the risk of a sudden worsening of symptoms, called an adrenal crisis. This can happen when the levels of cortisol in your body fall significantly due to not taking your medicines, or during another illness.
What breed of dog is prone to Addison’s disease?
Addison disease can affect any breed of dog. Mixed-breed dogs are diagnosed most commonly; however, numerous breeds are overrepresented, including Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Great Dane, Standard Poodle, West Highland White Terrier, Bearded Collie, and Portuguese Water Dog. Although Addison’s can affect any dog, it’s most common in middle aged (4-6 year old) females, and is seen most often in certain pedigree breeds such as the Standard poodle, West Highland White Terrier, Great Dane and St Bernard. The adrenal glands sit in front of the kidneys and produce steroids.Addison’s disease can also present as an acute medical emergency called an Addisonian crisis. An Addisonian crisis may appear as sudden weakness, severe vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes collapse. If your dog shows any of these signs, they need immediate veterinary care.What is the prognosis for dogs with Addison’s disease? The prognosis for dogs with Addison’s disease is excellent, if the acute crisis is successfully treated, and the dog responds well to long-term management. Most Addisonian dogs can have a good quality of life, and a normal lifespan.Certain breeds seem to be at increased risk for developing Addison’s disease. These include, but are not limited to: Portuguese Water Dogs, Bearded Collies, Standard Poodles, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Leonbergers, Great Danes, and Labrador Retrievers.
What is the life expectancy of a dog with Addison’s disease?
A dog with well-managed Addison’s disease usually has a normal lifespan and good quality of life. Management requires daily medication at home, as well as diligent visits to a veterinarian for recommended injections and blood tests. Some good choices are lean meats, skinless chicken breast, scrambled eggs, & rice. Gradually reintroduce their normal foods. You might need to change their bowl if they associate it with being sick. There is no special diet for an Addison’s dog, but avoid excessively fatty foods.
What are the red flags of Addison’s disease?
Long-lasting fatigue is a common symptom of adrenal insufficiency. People with Addison’s disease may also have darkening of their skin. This darkening is most visible on scars; skin folds; pressure points such as the elbows, knees, knuckles, and toes; lips; and mucous membranes such as the lining of the cheek. Early-stage symptoms of Addison’s disease are similar to other more common health conditions, such as depression or flu. You may experience: fatigue (lack of energy or motivation) muscle weakness.Many people with Addison’s disease may appear to have darkening of the skin, especially around scars, skin folds, and mucous membranes. People with Addison’s disease may also have white patches on the skin due to vitiligo or black freckles on the face, scalp, and shoulders.Because of the nonspecific nature of the presenting symptoms, Addison disease can be misdiagnosed as a GI disorder or even a psychiatric condition (14, 15). The most specific symptoms of Addison disease are increased skin or oral mucosa pigmentation, hypotension, and salt craving (13).
How do you confirm Addison’s?
If cortisol in your blood is low or your symptoms strongly suggest Addison’s disease, you’ll need to have a synacthen stimulation test to confirm the diagnosis. The GP may refer you to an endocrinology unit (a unit that specialises in the study of hormones) for the test. The short corticotropin test (also called the adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH] stimulation test) administered with a 250 μg dose is considered the gold standard test to confirm a diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI).