Addison's disease is an uncommon disease where there is not enough of a production of stress hormone by the adrenal glands. This can be caused by a wide number of things like infections, tumors, or toxic drugs. But most commonly an autoimmune reaction in which the body tries to destroy the adrenal gland is at fault.
While less stress hormone production might seem like a good think, a certain amount is needed for the body to function properly. Excessive stress hormone production leads to a condition known as Cushing's disease.
Addison's disease can also be caused by trying to treat other diseases as well and this is an unwanted side effect affecting the adrenal glands. For example trying to treat Cushing's disease.
Some common symptoms of Addison's disease in dogs include muscle weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea, lethargy, and a very slow pulse. Also dogs that have this condition collapse sometimes as well.
Diagnosis is usually done with a simple blood test, called an ACTH stimulation test. Treatment usually involves giving intravenous fluids and corticosteroids as well. If it is a chronic condition sometimes giving daily cortisone can help correct the dog symptoms.
Treatment is almost always a lifelong ordeal and the dog's dosage level must must always be tailored to the symptoms that your dog is expressing.
Like any other disease, early diagnoses can lead to a better prognosis. If Addison's disease is caused as a side effect from another drug being given, the cure is simple, just stop giving the drug.
