Atypical Canine Addison's Disease

There are three forms of Addison's disease: primary, atypical and secondary. Primary Addison's disease means your dog is incapable of producing mineralcorticoids and glucococosteriods. Atypical Addison's disease is a lack of cortisol (stress hormone) production caused by the adrenal glands. Secondary Addison's disease is the lack of the adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) hormone. If your dog is diagnosed with atypical Addison's disease, glucocorticoid treatments will be necessary.

  1. Adrenal Glands

    • Within a dog's abdomen are his adrenal glands, located above his kidneys. The adrenal glands are composed of two layers. The inner layer of the adrenal glands secrete hormones that are close in composition to adrenaline. The outer layer of the adrenal glands secrete corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are composed of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.

    Glucocorticoids and Mineralocorticoids

    • Corticosteroids are necessary for a dog's survival instincts.

      Glucocorticoids are responsible for storing energy for your dog until he's ready to burn it. Mineralocorticoids are necessary for your dog to regulate electrolytes (sodium and potassium) within his body. Your dog depends on his corticosteroids to help him adapt in situations that he sees as stressful.

    Addison's Disease Symptoms

    • Seek help when your dog becomes ill.

      A dog who is suffering from Addison's will be out of sorts. Your dog may want to sleep all the time and have a lack of energy. He may develop muscle weakness and be unable to stand. Vomiting and diarrhea are also symptoms of Addison's. According to the Dog's Health Guide, Addison's can cause your dog's heart rate to plummet. If your dog collapses, it's important to seek the assistance of a veterinarian.

    Diagnosis

    • Your dog will undergo multiple tests.

      Your dog will need to undergo testing to determine if he suffers from atypical Addison's disease. Tests can include urinalysis, blood count, chest X-rays to check for signs of reduced heart size and an electrocardiogram to check for signs of reduced electrolyte levels. Your dog will be given an ACTH test to monitor for increased levels of cortisol. According to "Dog Illnesses and Symptoms," a healthy dog will have an increased level of cortisol, whereas a dog suffering from Addison's will have a cortisol level that doesn't increase.

    Treatments

    • Your dog will need glucocorticoid to manage his lifestyle.

      If your dog's disease has advanced to the point where he's lost substantial fluids, he'll require electrolyte treatment. Fluids (an IV) must be administered to help stabilize your dog. Your dog will also be given a glucocorticoid injection. Once your dog is stabilized, he'll undergo further glucocorticoid treatments to help him manage his condition. Otherwise, a low dosage of glucocorticoid can help your dog sustain a manageable life.