What is Addisons Disease?
Studies have shown that 75% to 80% of dogs found to have Addison’s disease are females of young to middle age, with the age of four being a common time to develop the affliction. Hypoadrenocorticism is the reduction in corticosteroid secretions from the adrenal glands, which are located near the kidneys and have the function of aiding the body in regulating necessary tasks. Day to day function will be altered by lower than normal production of hormones required to control salt, blood cell activity and more.
Addison’s disease, also known as canine hypoadrenocorticism, occurs when the adrenal glands stop or reduce production of their normal hormones. While some dogs are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease, most cases are discovered in a crisis situation. If you notice any changes to your pet’s health it is important to consult a veterinarian for advice as soon as possible.Addisons Disease Average Cost
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Symptoms of Addisons Disease in Dogs
Symptoms of Addison’s disease can be intermittent, making the urgency of a veterinary visit seem less urgent to some pet owners. Because of the often intermittent nature of signs, dogs are often not seen by the veterinarian until a crisis has developed, leaving the dog with a low pulse, slow heart rate, cold extremities and collapse. Symptoms before crisis are as follows:
- Weakness
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Thirst
- Frequent urination
- Trembling
- Abdominal pain
- Excessive vomiting and diarrhea which can cause dehydration
Types
Addison’s disease is characterized mainly by two classes of steroidal hormone interruption. Mineralocorticoids are important to glucose regulation, fat and protein breakdown, maintenance of blood pressure levels, as well as red blood cell formation. Glucocorticoids play a major role in balancing water, potassium and salt levels in the body. Irregularities in these areas due to low secretion of hormones from the adrenal glands points to Addison’s disease.
Causes of Addisons Disease in Dogs
While the lack of hormonal secretions by the adrenal glands is the most common cause for Addison’s disease, there are other explanations for the development of the syndrome though they occur much less frequently:
- Infection or inflammation
- Cancer
- Physical trauma to glands
- Rapid withdrawal of prescribed steroids
- Drug therapy
- Abnormal blood supply to adrenal glands
- Adrenal gland failure due to issues with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland
Diagnosis of Addisons Disease in Dogs
Do not attempt to self diagnose any health problem your pet may be experiencing. Prompt veterinary care is necessary when your dog is suffering from a disorder such as Addison’s disease.
Relay to the veterinarian the timeline of symptoms, the behavioral changes you have noticed and any other information you feel may be helpful to the investigation into your dog’s health. Because renal failure is a definite consideration, taking your dog to the veterinarian and communicating your concerns is the best way to aid in a quick diagnosis of symptoms, no matter how intermittent.
The veterinarian will check for signs of weakness such as low pulse and irregular heartbeat, which are two signs that a crisis point in Addison’s disease may be imminent. A blood test to check for low sodium or sugar, and high potassium will be performed. A urinalysis is also an important step in diagnosis, because diluted urine may mean Addison’s disease. An electrocardiogram will indicate if the heart rhythm of your dog is abnormal. The final test in diagnosing Addison’s disease is the ACTH test, which is additional blood work involving a delay of one hour between tests, and measures how well the adrenal gland responds to adrenocorticotropic hormone.
Treatment of Addisons Disease in Dogs
While treatment for Addison’s disease depends on the severity of clinical signs, it is noted that most often the diagnosis of Addison’s disease is made when the dog is already critically ill. Unfortunately, this is the nature of this illness. However, the prognosis for recovery is excellent with timely hospital care.
Rapid action must take place in the case of an Addison’s crisis. Treatment may take place over a few days and includes intravenous therapy to remedy severe hydration. Cortisol-like drugs, which will regulate the abnormal hormone levels found in your dog, and medications to neutralize the effects of an abnormal heart rhythm (caused by high potassium) are given to stabilize your pet. Improvement in electrolyte and hormone levels with the use of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, and the reparation of fluid volume deficits (with substances such as calcium,saline and dextrose) are critical to your pet’s return to health. Results are most often positive, and dogs in crisis usually show improvement within a few hours of the beginning of the hospital treatment.
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Recovery of Addisons Disease in Dogs
There will be veterinarian follow up visits necessary on an every 3 month basis for a period of one year after an Addison’s crisis and diagnosis. With Addison’s disease, your dog will be prescribed mineralocorticoid medication for the duration of his life. This involves a long term daily hormone pill given orally. Sometimes this medication must be given in high doses to be effective. Another option, which is frequently given to large dogs as a cost effective option for treatment, is an injection every 25 days. In some cases, dogs will need the addition of a glucocorticoid, such as prednisone, added to their medication regimen.
Studies have shown that stress may bring about changes in your pet’s health, particularly with Addison’s disease. Discuss this topic with your veterinarian. A slight change in the amount of medication given may be necessary if you are moving, travelling with, or boarding your dog.
Addisons Disease Average Cost
From 98 quotes ranging from $250 - $500
Average Cost
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Addisons Disease Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Maltese
Maya
6 Years
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lack Of Appetite
My dog has typical Addison’s disease. She is on percorten v DOCP injection every 26days and 0.50mg of prednisone daily. She is 6.5yrs old and weighs 4 pounds 2 ounces. She is on Science Diet I/D low fat food. She will eat good for about 3-4 days then just pick at her food for 2-3. How do I know if this is her being a picky eater, her DOCP shot, prednisone dose, etc?
July 13, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
It can be difficult to tell the cause of a loss of appetite with so many factors to deal with. Maltese do tend to be picky eaters, Prednisone doesn't tend to decrease appetite, and your veterinarian is probably rechecking Maya's electrolytes regularly to make sure that things are on track with her Addison's. If her electrolytes are in range, she is probably being picky. If she seems lethargic, or is vomiting, then a recheck would be in order.
July 13, 2018
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Standard Poodle
Yeti
3 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea / Soft Stool
My dog has Addison's disease. He is on prednisone for life. He eats Hill's Science Diet for Gastro-intestinal comfort. He goes through bouts of really soft stool and the probiotics alone don't seem to be controlling it. Is there a supplement or a medication he can safely take to harden the stool or counter this side effect of the prednisone?
Feb. 18, 2018
1 Recommendations
There is nothing specific which would help to firm up the stool; plain canned pumpkin can work both ways though, it can make stool more soft and it can also firm up stool as well which may be worth a try. Otherwise, reviewing the diet may be required. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Feb. 18, 2018
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Boxer Mix
Penny
10
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bloody Disdain, Not Eating Well, Drinkingalot
Bloody Disdain, Not Eating Well, Laboredbreathing
Is she in organ failure after 9 years of meds? Has Addison's disease and been on medication since she was 6 months old. Vet warned me she could start organ failure dUe to meds. She had bloody disdain 2 weeks ago for 2 days and now it has started again. She is acting strange and pooping in the house like she has no control. Not eating well but drinking lots and not dehydrated. Breathing is labored also
Oct. 4, 2017
0 Recommendations
Long term use of medications put animals at increased risk of side effects or complications, however these potential risk of these side effect or complications are greatly outweighed by the benefits of the medicines being prescribed. If organ failure is suspected then it would be valuable to have extensive blood tests performed to see how the body is coping in general before making any decisions. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 5, 2017
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Rottweiler
Bailey
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Excessive Drooling
Over the last four months we have had 6 episodes where Bailey has had uncontrollable salivation for a period of between 3-6 hours. Most have happened at night time. During the episodes she has sailva poring out of her mouth, to the point where she gags and coughs and chokes on it. She is restless and appears unhappy. The most recent on Friday night was the worst and saw her depressed and lethargic for 12 plus hours after the episode ended.
She is an otherwise healthy and happy dog. We have tried anti-inflammatory (in case of inflammation of the mouth), anti-nausea and losec in case of stomach acid. None of these have worked. I now have a shot of atripene to try her on if she has another episode. She has experienced excitement immediately prior to these episodes so this may be a trigger. We're clutching at straws though, especially as these episodes/symptoms wax and wane, any help would be hugely appreciated!
Aug. 30, 2017
0 Recommendations
From your question you haven’t noted that you have visited a Veterinarian; please do not administer atropine that hasn’t been prescribed by a Veterinarian for a specific use. Excessive drooling after excitement is normal in dogs just like humans when hungry or excited (we produce more saliva); it is possible that there is little wrong with Bailey apart from some saliva. Some causes for excessive salivation may include dental disorders, oral foreign bodies, allergies, infections, poisoning, seizures and disorders of the salivary glands (among other causes). I would strongly recommend you visit your Veterinarian to give Bailey a checkup to see if there is anything which may be corrected. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 30, 2017
Apologies - I presumed as I mentioned we have tried multiple kinds of drugs - for nausea, anti inflammatories, losec - that would make it clear I am working with my vet closely on this. We have been more than a dozen times since May, when she had her first episode. What she is experiencing is not normal drooling as you suggest. These episodes are lasting hours and she is drooling so much she is choking on it, cannot lay down and cannot stop swallowing. She is dostresssed while it is going on and exhausted after the episodes.
I was really looking forward to some advice other than my vet team of 3 who are completely stumped - hence us trying all sorts - have offered. They are excellent vets however we are in New Zealand and I thought you may have more experience in this particular field.
Aug. 30, 2017
Bailey's Owner
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German Shepherd
Bella
3
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Weight Loss
Drowsiness
Vomiting
Excessive Drooling
Runny Nose
Bloody Diarrhea
She has had diarrhea for a couple days now, it started to have blood earlier today, after a while she started drooling more than usual and she vomitted. Im worried about my girl, we havent taken her to get checked out yet since all this started earlier, i just want to know some things that these symptoms could be related to.
July 26, 2017
1 Recommendations
The symptoms you have listed may be attributable to numerous different conditions including infections, parasites, foreign bodies, hormonal conditions, tumours, poisoning, food intolerance, allergies and the list goes on. It would be best to have Bella checked over by her Veterinarian to determine the underlying cause so that treatment may be directed effectively. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
Hi our dog has Addison's disease. She was diagnosed at eight months old. She gets a shot every month and takes prednisone daily. Is there anything else she can take instead of prednisone I can see her aging quickly these days. She's a long haired dachshund
Aug. 30, 2017
Danielle N.
Our 4 year old Jack Russell was diagnosed yesterday. We've been told that she'll need prednisone daily and monthly shots as well. We're so bummed out. We're not really in the financial position to afford this, but what else can we do? I'd love to know what you pay monthly for her care?
Jan. 19, 2018
Valerie M.
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Addisons Disease Average Cost
From 98 quotes ranging from $250 - $500
Average Cost
$350
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