Addison’s disease, technically called hypoaencorricism, is a rare type of disease that can be affected by young middle-aged dogs; this is not well known and even some veterinarians have difficulty recognizing symptoms.
This is due to the animal’s inability to produce certain hormones.Although difficult to diagnose, dogs receiving proper treatment can lead a normal, healthy life.
- If your dog is constantly ill and no medication is taking effect.
- You may want to continue reading this ExpertAnimal article on Addison’s disease in dogs.
As mentioned, this disease is caused by the dog’s brain’s inability to release certain hormones, called adrenocorticotrophs (ACTH), which are responsible for keeping sugar levels at the correct levels, controlling the balance between sodium and body potassium, supporting heart function or controlling the immune system, among others.
This disease is not contagious or infectious, so there is no danger if sick dogs come into contact with other animals or humans, it is only a fault in our friend’s body.
Addison’s disease in dogs causes, among other things, the following clinical symptoms:
These are just a few of the symptoms your pet may experience.Because of the wide variety of diseases it can cause, Addison’s disease is usually confused with other diseases, so drugs that don’t work are often prescribed and the dog doesn’t get better and can even improve.Died.
However, if your dog has any of these symptoms, you shouldn’t be afraid, as this doesn’t mean he has Addison’s disease, just take him to the vet to find out what’s happening to him.
To diagnose Addison’s disease in dogs, the first thing the veterinarian will do is check our friend’s medical history, followed by physical exams and diagnostic tests including blood and urine tests, ultrasounds and abdominal x-rays.
In addition, to confirm whether it is a rare disease, there is a test known as an ACTH stimulation test, with which they will find out if this hormone does not exist in dogs or if the adrenal glands do not respond adequately to it.The test is noninvasive and generally not expensive.
Once the disease is diagnosed, it is very easy to treat and your friend can lead a completely normal life.The veterinarian will prescribe the hormones in the form of pills to be administered to the dog as directed.the animal throughout its life.
You may usually need to receive corticosteroids at first, but you may eventually be able to reduce the dose until you eliminate them altogether.
The veterinarian will periodically monitor your puppy throughout your life to make sure the pills are working properly and that the dog is perfectly healthy.
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis, we suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any condition or discomfort.
If you would like to read articles similar to, we recommend that you visit our Other Health Problems section.