Addison's disease, technically called hypoadrenocorticism , is a type of rare ailment suffered by young and middle-aged dogs.It is not well known and even some veterinarians have trouble recognizing the symptoms.It is due to the inability of the animal's body to produce certain hormones.Although it is difficult to To diagnose, dogs that receive the correct treatment can lead a normal and healthy life.
If your dog is constantly ill and none of the medications work, maybe you are interested in reading this Expert Expert article on the Adisson disease in dogs, causes symptoms and treatment.
Canine Addison-Causes of Addison's disease in dogs
As we have said, this disease is caused by the inability of the dog's brain to release certain hormones, called adrenocorticotropic (ACTH).These are responsible for maintaining the correct sugar levels, controlling the balance between the sodium and body potassium, to support cardiac function or to control the immune system, among others.
This disease is not contagious or infectious, so there is no danger if sick dogs have contact with others animals or humans.It is simply a failure in our friend's organism.
Symptoms of Addison's disease in dogs
Addison's disease in dogs causes, among others, the following clinical symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Vomits
- Fall of the hair
- Skin sensitivity
- Inapetence
- Weight loss.
- Dehydration
- Apatia
- Abdominal pain
- Drink plenty of water
- Urine too much
These are just some of the symptoms that the animal may present.Due to the great variety of ailments that it can cause, Addison's disease is usually confused with other diseases, so that treatments that do not work are often prescribed and the dog does not improve, being able to die.
However, if your dog shows any of these symptoms you should not be scared since this does not mean that he has Addison's disease, just take him to the vet and he will discover what is happening to him.
Diagnosis of canine hyperadrenocorticism
To diagnose Addison's disease in dogs, the first thing the veterinarian will do is consult our friend's medical history, followed by physical check-ups and diagnostic tests made up of blood and urine tests, ultrasounds and abdominal radiographs.
In addition, to confirm whether this is a rare disease, there is a test known as a stimulation test with ACTH, with which they will discover if this hormone is non-existent in the dog or if the adrenal glands they do not respond adequately to it.This test is not invasive at all and is generally not excessively expensive.
Treatment of Addison's disease in dogs
Once the disease is diagnosed it is very easy to treat and our friend can enjoy a completely normal life.The veterinarian will prescribe the hormones in the form of pills so that we can administer them to the dog according to his indications.treatment we will have to give it to the animal throughout its life.
Normally, at the beginning you also have to give corticosteroids, but probably over time you can reduce the dose until completely eliminated.
The vet will do periodic exams to our furry friend throughout his life to make sure that the pills work correctly and that the dog is perfectly healthy.
This article is purely informative, at ExpertAnimal.com we have no power to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any diagnosis.We invite you to take your pet to vet In case you have any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Addison's disease in dogs-Causes, symptoms and treatment , you We recommend that you enter our Other health problems section.
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