The first signs of Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) in dogs are often vague, mimicking other illnesses, and tend to wax and wane. Key early indicators include chronic or intermittent lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and increased thirst or urination. These symptoms, sometimes accompanied by shaking or muscle weakness, often worsen during times of stress.

At what age does Addison's disease show up in dogs?

Addison's disease most commonly occurs in young to middle-aged dogs, though it can theoretically occur at any age, starting from as young as four months old.

How to rule out Addison's disease in dogs?

Your veterinarian will perform blood and urine tests to evaluate your dog's illness and look for signs suggestive of Addison's disease, such as electrolyte imbalances in sodium and potassium. Addison's disease is confirmed with a blood test called ACTH Stimulation.

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 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.

Addison's disease in the dog. Dr. Dan explains symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

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.

What breeds of dogs 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.
 

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.

How much does it cost to treat Addison's disease in dogs?

The monthly cost for Addison's disease treatment can range from $50 to $200 a month, depending on the selected medications and the animal's response to care. The vet costs involved with frequent blood work and urinalysis should also be taken into consideration.

Do dogs with Addison's disease pee a lot?

Symptoms of Addison's Disease are many — increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, no appetite, shaking or shivering, abdominal pain, weak pulse, slow heart rate. Once diagnosed, dogs with Addison's Disease must receive hormone therapy for life.

How fast does Addison's disease progress in dogs?

Certain dog breeds may be predisposed to the disease. In general, the symptoms of Addison's disease seem to come on quickly, usually over what seems to be just a few days; however, it can develop over weeks or months as well. Most owners note that their pet develops several problems at about the same time.

Does Addisons come on suddenly?

Damage to the adrenal glands causes Addison's disease. Symptoms can start slowly. Early symptoms may include extreme tiredness, salt cravings and weight loss.

Why do dogs with Addison's shake?

This hormonal deficiency can result in low blood sugar and abnormal levels of potassium and sodium in the blood. It is common for dogs with Addison's disease to shake or tremble in addition to experiencing weakness and lethargy.

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.

Is exercise good for dogs with Addison's disease?

No clinically relevant changes in blood chemistry, blood cell count, blood pressure and electrocar- diography (ECG) were noted before and shortly after the task. Results of this study suggest that jogging at a mod- erate speed is not harmful to the health of dogs with Addi- son's disease.

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 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.

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).

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