Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison disease) in dogs - causes and treatment
By Van Lanen, Kathleen & Sande, Allison·Published in Topics in companion animal medicine·2014·Veterinary Centers of America Veterinary Referral Associates, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Canine hypoadrenocorticism: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog with Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism) may show symptoms like vomiting, weakness, and weight loss due to problems with hormone production from the adrenal glands. To diagnose this condition, vets often perform an ACTH stimulation test, which measures cortisol levels in the blood. Treatment typically involves hormone replacement therapy with mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids, which can help the dog recover and manage their symptoms effectively. With proper treatment, the prognosis for dogs with Addison's disease is generally good.
People also search for: dog Addison's disease symptoms · treatment for dog vomiting and weakness · how to diagnose Addison's disease in dogs
Abstract
Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison disease) is an uncommon condition in dogs and even more rare in cats. Hypoadrenocorticism is most often caused by immune-mediated destruction of the adrenal glands resulting in decreased mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid production. Although less common, some dogs with hypoadrenocorticism have normal serum electrolytes. Hypoadrenocorticism causes a wide variety of clinical symptoms including gastrointestinal upset, weakness, weight loss, and hypovolemia. Laboratory and diagnostic findings vary, but classic abnormalities include hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, azotemia, anemia, and lack of a stress leukogram. However, many other diseases present with similar symptoms and diagnostic findings. Definitive diagnosis requires adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation testing to demonstrate low basal and post-ACTH cortisol levels. In some cases, ACTH level or basal- and ACTH-stimulated aldosterone levels must also be measured. The prognosis for hypoadrenocorticism is good with appropriate mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid supplementation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25813848/