Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) is a condition in which the adrenal glands are unable to produce sufficient amounts of hormones. Adrenal hormones are critical to overall health, and insufficient levels in the body can lead to a wide range of health problems in pets.
The symptoms of Addison’s disease are often vague and resemble those of other illnesses. For this reason, the disease is sometimes referred to as “the great pretender”. Although Addison’s disease is relatively rare in cats and dogs, it is a serious condition which can be fatal if left untreated.
Causes of Addison’s Disease
Several factors are thought to contribute to a reduction in the secretion of adrenal hormones which leads to Addison’s disease in pets. These include trauma to the adrenal glands, infection and inflammation, tumors, long-term steroid withdrawal, and genetic predisposition.
Cats are very rarely diagnosed with Addison’s disease, and the condition appears to be most prevalent in young and middle-aged female dogs. Some breeds of dog including Great Danes, Labrador retrievers, and standard poodles are also more susceptible to developing the disease.
Symptoms of Addison’s Disease
As mentioned earlier, the symptoms of Addison’s disease can be very vague and resemble those of other illnesses. Your pet may also display symptoms intermittently over a period of several weeks or months. Please take your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup if you notice any of the following symptoms.
- Increased thirst or urination
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Sudden collapse
Pets will often display the above symptoms prior to an Addisonian crisis, a potentially life-threatening situation requiring immediate emergency treatment. For this reason, it is important not to ignore symptoms which may seem relatively minor.
Diagnosis of Addison’s Disease
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination of your pet to look for signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease. Blood tests and a urinalysis will also be carried out to check for abnormalities such as anemia, low sodium levels, or diluted urine.
Further diagnostic tests may be used to determine the underlying cause of your pet’s symptoms. These may include a biochemistry profile, abdominal X-rays or ultrasounds, and an electrocardiogram.
If your veterinarian suspects Addison’s disease, an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test will be performed. In healthy pets, ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to produce hormones.
An ACTH stimulation test involves injecting a small amount of ACTH and measuring the levels of hormones produced by the adrenal glands over a period of several hours. If your pet has Addison’s disease, their body will be unable to produce sufficient amounts of adrenal hormones in response to the ACTH administered in the test.
Treatment of Addison’s Disease
Treatment of Addison’s disease will depend on the severity of your pet’s condition. If symptoms are severe, your pet may be in an Addisonian crisis. In this case, they will require immediate hospitalization and emergency care including fluid and drug therapy to stabilize their condition.
Pets with less serious symptoms will usually be treated on an outpatient basis. Your veterinarian will prescribe medications to replace the deficient hormones in your pet’s body. Since Addison’s disease is incurable, pets with the condition will require lifelong medication to stabilize and regulate hormone levels. However, when treated correctly, the prognosis for animals with the disease is usually good.
Always follow your veterinarian’s treatment advice closely and schedule regular checkups to ensure your pet’s condition is managed effectively.
Prevention of Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is not considered preventable as the exact cause of the condition is unclear. We recommend taking your pet for a checkup as soon as you notice any potential symptoms of the disease. This will minimize the risk of Addisonian crisis which can be potentially fatal.
