Addisons disease (aka canine hypoadrenocorticism or adrenal insufficiency) is not common among dogs but, when it occurs, is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. This page looks at the different forms of Addison's disease, the signs and symptoms, conventional treatment, as well as natural remedies that can be used to treat canine Addison's disease. Addison's disease is a condition in which there is insufficient corticosteroid secretion from the adrenal glands. This disease is the opposite of ushing's disease. !n ushing's disease, the adrenal glands produce e"cessive corticosteroids. #hile Addison's disease in dogs is not as common as ushing's disease, it still occurs quite frequently in the dog population, especially among young to middle$aged female dogs. %tatistically, among dogs with Addison's disease, about &'$()* of them are females between + and & of age. ,reed$wise, it seems that certain breeds are more susceptible to this disease. They include, among others, the -reat .anes, /ottweilers, #heaten Terriers, #esties and %tandard 0oodles.
Secondary Addison's %econdary Addison's disease is the result of a lack of adrenocorticotropic hormone (A T6), whose function is to stimulate the adrenal gland to produce corticosteroids. A T6 is produced by the pituitary gland, which may fail to produce sufficient amount of A T6 due to in7ury, inflammation, or a pituitary tumor. Atypical Addison's 8ust like primary Addison's, atypical Addison's occurs when the adrenal glands fail to work properly. !n cases of atypical Addison's, however, the adrenal glands fail to secrete sufficient amount of the glucocorticoid hormones only, whereas the electrolyte balances are usually normal.
As you can see, the above symptoms are very common and non$specific, resulting in frequent mis$diagnosis. Also, sometimes these symptoms may come and go for a while, making diagnosis all the more difficult. 1ften, the disease may not be properly diagnosed until an episode called an ;Addisonian crisis; finally occurs. (Appro"imately <'* of dogs with Addison's disease are diagnosed at the time of an Addisonian crisis.) !n an episode of ;Addisonian crisis;, the dog suddenly collapses in shock because his body fails to ad7ust to an imbalance of electrolytes and fuel metabolism during a period of stress. The result of an Addisonian crisis= 9sually the dog will have very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high potassium levels. Also, heart problems such as slow heart rate and arrhythmias (irregular heart beat) may result. %evere cases of an Addisonian crisis can be fatal to the dog.
An !"cellent Supplement for Dogs #ith Addison's Disease Animal !ssentials $ulti%&itamin Her al Supplement for Dogs This supplement contains herbs (such as garlic, spirulina, nettle, dandelion) as well as B>A$rich fla"seed, vitamins and minerals which are all beneficial for strengthening a dog's adrenal functions, immune system, and overall general health.