Early symptoms of Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) in dogs are often vague, intermittent, and mimic other illnesses, commonly including chronic, waxing-and-waning lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. These symptoms may temporarily improve with stress or treatment, only to return.

What are the first signs of Addison's in dogs?

Clinical signs

• Lethargy.
• Loss of appetite.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Weight loss.
• Increased thirst and urination.
• Trembling.
• Weakness.

What mimics Addison's in dogs?

vulpis infections are reported as causing hyponatremia and hyperkalemia [4–7]. Although this kind of syndrome (pseudo-Addison disease) due to T. vulpis infection has been reported, its pathogenesis is not well understood. The symptoms mimic those of Addison's disease with waxing and waning weakness.

What dog breeds are prone to Addison's disease?

While any dog can get Addison's disease, certain breeds have a higher genetic predisposition, including Bearded Collies, Standard Poodles, Great Danes, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs, and West Highland White Terriers, with Rottweilers, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, and Leonbergers also being overrepresented. It's an endocrine disorder where adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones, often striking young to middle-aged female dogs.
 

At what age do dogs develop Addison's disease?

Addison's disease occurs most commonly in young to middle-aged female dogs. The average age at diagnosis is about 4 years old. The signs of Addison's disease may be severe and appear suddenly or may occur intermittently and vary in severity.

Addisons Disease: Shivering & Tremors

What can be mistaken for Addison's disease in dogs?

It is common for Addisonian dogs to be misdiagnosed as having kidney disease at first. Because the onset of Addison's disease usually happens around two to three years of age, veterinarians should always have it in mind as a possibility in any young dog that has blood work suggestive of kidney problems.

What are the red flags of Addison's disease?

Red flags for Addison's disease include extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, darkening skin (hyperpigmentation), salt cravings, low blood pressure (causing dizziness), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can worsen into a life-threatening adrenal crisis with severe pain, confusion, and shock. These symptoms often develop slowly but can appear suddenly during stress or illness, requiring immediate medical attention.

What not to feed a dog with Addison's disease?

Avoid low-protein diets unless your vet advises it for another medical condition (like kidney disease). Dogs with Addison's often have low sodium and high potassium levels. Their treatment usually addresses this, but it's wise to avoid low-sodium dog foods and consult your vet before adding supplements.

How long can a dog stay on prednisolone?

A dog can be on prednisone for a short duration (days to weeks) for acute issues or long-term (months to life) for chronic conditions, but longer use increases serious risks like Cushing's disease, diabetes, ulcers, and weakened immunity, necessitating careful vet monitoring with regular bloodwork, typically every 3-6 months for long-term cases to manage benefits vs. risks. 

Can a dog be misdiagnosed with Addison's disease?

Addison's disease is notoriously difficult to recognize. Dogs have vague clinical signs that mimic other conditions such as kidney and intestinal disease, causing veterinarians to refer to the disease as “The Great Pretender.” Addison's can go undetected for years.

Do dogs with Addison's pee a lot?

Signs of Addison's in dogs typically include weakness, lethargy, lack of appetite, depression, reluctance to exercise, vomiting and diarrhoea. These may appear very suddenly and can be both intermittent and severe. Dogs suffering from the illness may also drink more and urinate more.

What potential clinical signs in a dog with Addison's include decreased appetite and extreme fatigue?

Clinical Findings of Addison Disease in Animals

Usually, GI signs predominate, including loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. Lethargy is common, and polyuria/polydipsia is also reported. These signs can wax and wane, and they are typically brought on or exacerbated by stress.

At what age is Addison's disease usually diagnosed?

It can affect people of any age. It's most common between the ages of 30 and 50. It's also more common in women than men. Early-stage symptoms of Addison's disease are similar to other more common health conditions, such as depression or flu.

What are the 5 S's of Addisonian crisis?

The 5 Ss of adrenal crisis treatment are Salt (0.9% saline), Sugar (50% dextrose), Steroids (100 mg hydrocortisone IV once, then 200 mg over 24 hours), Support (normal saline to correct hypotension and electrolyte abnormalities), and Search (for the underlying disorder).

What makes Addison's worse?

Complications of Addison's disease

During adrenal crisis your symptoms get worse very quickly. This can be triggered by things like an infection, an accident or injury, or surgery. It can cause problems such as: severe dehydration.

Does Addison's affect the eyes?

Ocular Features: Virtually all patients have visual symptoms. Loss of acuity, hemianopia, visual agnosia, optic atrophy, and strabismus are the most common features. Neuropathy may cause a decrease in corneal sensation.

How does a dog act with Addison's disease?

Addisonian patients may present with lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, increased thirst, increased urination, and unplanned weight loss. Intermittent shaking episodes are sometimes seen. The signs may wax and wane.

What is the most toxic thing for dogs to eat?

Learn which nine items are particularly dangerous to your dog.

1. Onions, garlic and chives. ...
2. Chocolate. ...
3. Macadamia nuts. ...
4. Corn on the cob. ...
5. Avocado. ...
6. Artificial sweetener (xylitol) ...
7. Alcohol. ...
8. Cooked bones.

What can mimic Addison's?

The diagnosis may be delayed if the clinical presentation mimics a gastrointestinal disorder or psychiatric illness. We report a case of Addison's disease presenting as acute pain in abdomen mimicking clinical presentation of acute pancreatitis.

What skin color is associated with Addison's disease?

Pigmentation can be brownish black, homogeneous, or blotchy and may involve the skin, oral cavity, conjunctiva, and genitalia. It is also called as bronze pigmentation. It does not depend on the gender or race.

What are the beginning stages of Addison's disease?

Early symptoms may include extreme tiredness, salt cravings and weight loss. Addison's disease can affect anyone. Without treatment, it can be life-threatening. Treatment involves taking lab-made hormones to replace those that are missing.

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