This Disease is basically an imbalance of potassium due to defective glands.
Most dogs with Addison’s disease initially have tummy upsets like vomiting and diarrhoea. Lethargy is also a common early sign. Poor appetite can occur as well. These are pretty common signs for many ailments and therefore it can be extremely easy to miss this disease. More severe signs occur when a dog with hypoadrenocorticism is stressed or when potassium levels get high enough to interfere with heart function. Dogs with this problem will sometimes suffer severe shock symptoms when stressed, which can lead to a rapid death. When potassium levels get high heart arrythmias occur or even heart failure which also is fatal. In some cases, especially secondary Addison’s disease, there are no detectable electrolyte changes.
Treatment available
Treatment for this disease is usually done by oral administration of fludrocortisone acetate (Flurinaf), salting the food, and administration of corticosteroids like prednisone. In a crisis situation this disorder must be treated more aggressively with intravenous fluids, IV glucocorticoids and correction of acid/base balances.
You have to pay close attention to a dog with this problem. Don't ignore any changes in appetite, behaviour or anything else that makes you think your dog is ill. If you work with your vet and are careful about following his or her directions this disease has a good prognosis when it is discovered before a crisis occurs.
Information obtained from The Utonagan Society
Most dogs with Addison’s disease initially have tummy upsets like vomiting and diarrhoea. Lethargy is also a common early sign. Poor appetite can occur as well. These are pretty common signs for many ailments and therefore it can be extremely easy to miss this disease. More severe signs occur when a dog with hypoadrenocorticism is stressed or when potassium levels get high enough to interfere with heart function. Dogs with this problem will sometimes suffer severe shock symptoms when stressed, which can lead to a rapid death. When potassium levels get high heart arrythmias occur or even heart failure which also is fatal. In some cases, especially secondary Addison’s disease, there are no detectable electrolyte changes.
Treatment available
Treatment for this disease is usually done by oral administration of fludrocortisone acetate (Flurinaf), salting the food, and administration of corticosteroids like prednisone. In a crisis situation this disorder must be treated more aggressively with intravenous fluids, IV glucocorticoids and correction of acid/base balances.
You have to pay close attention to a dog with this problem. Don't ignore any changes in appetite, behaviour or anything else that makes you think your dog is ill. If you work with your vet and are careful about following his or her directions this disease has a good prognosis when it is discovered before a crisis occurs.
Information obtained from The Utonagan Society
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