{"id":2840,"date":"2018-12-22T07:30:23","date_gmt":"2018-12-22T07:30:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-712831-2364936.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=2840"},"modified":"2024-04-18T08:19:04","modified_gmt":"2024-04-18T08:19:04","slug":"addisons-disease-in-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.doodlesdaily.com\/addisons-disease-in-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Addison’s Disease in Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Addison\u2019s Disease in Dogs<\/h1>\n

What is Addison\u2019s Disease?<\/h2>\n

\"\"Addison\u2019s disease<\/a> is a serious but treatable disorder that can occur in dogs, humans, cats, and other mammals. Also known as adrenal insufficiency, it occurs when the adrenal glands (which are located near the kidneys) are unable to function as well as they should. Adrenal glands are an important part of the endocrine system.<\/p>\n

Their job is to produce hormones and steroids that support metabolic function, the immune system, blood pressure, and the way the body and brain responds to stress. When the adrenal glands stop producing the correct amount of hormones, many parts of the body are affected.<\/p>\n

Cortisol<\/h4>\n

One of the most important hormones that the adrenal glands produce is called cortisol. Cortisol controls how and when your brain responds to both physical and psychological stress. Let’s say your dog gets a piece of gravel stuck in their paw. Their adrenal glands will trigger cortisol production, which will tell the brain to respond to the pain. Cortisol is a very important part of bodily function for mammals. Without the proper amount of cortisol, the brain will not be capable of responding to daily stressors in normal or healthy ways.<\/p>\n

Hypoadrenocorticism<\/h4>\n

In Addison\u2019s disease, the adrenal glands are unable to produce enough cortisol. You may also hear this disease referred to as hypoadrenocorticism (\u201chypo\u201d<\/em> for under\/not enough, \u201cadreno\u201d<\/em> for adrenal glands, and \u201ccorti\u201d<\/em> for cortisol). This disease is the exact opposite of Cushing\u2019s disease, which occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol.<\/p>\n

Causes of Addison\u2019s Disease<\/h2>\n

\"\"The causes of Addison\u2019s disease are currently unknown. That means that there is nothing you can do to prevent it from occurring. Although Addison\u2019s has been known to occur in all types of dogs, there are some factors that have been identified as making a dog more susceptible.<\/p>\n

First, it is more likely to occur in female dogs. Second, it is less likely to occur in older dogs; dogs are most likely to be diagnosed when they are young or middle-aged. And finally, some breeds are more likely than others to be diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency. Some of those breeds include standard poodles, bearded collies, duck tolling retrievers, and west highland terriers. However, all breeds and breed mixes are capable of developing Addison\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n

Canine Symptoms of Addison\u2019s Disease<\/h2>\n

Most dogs that are diagnosed with Addison\u2019s disease but are not treated can develop a very serious condition called \u201cAddisonian crisis\u201d. Addisonian crisis is a life-threatening condition that is triggered by dangerously low levels of cortisol. If your dog is experiencing the symptoms listed below, the best thing you can do is talk to your veterinarian before a crisis occurs.<\/p>\n

Early Detection is Best<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As with all illnesses, early detection is best. Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of Addison\u2019s disease can be easily confused with other, more common illnesses. That can make it difficult to diagnosis prior to an Addisonian crisis.<\/p>\n

Remember that the adrenal glands and the hormones they produce help to keep many different areas of the body running smoothly. As a result, there are a wide variety of symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. Psychological problems, digestive problems, and heart problems are all typical.<\/p>\n

Some Common Symptoms<\/h4>\n

Here are some of the common canine symptoms of adrenal insufficiency:<\/p>\n