Addison's, whether it appears in dogs or humans, is a disease of the adrenal glands. It's also referred to as hypoadrenocorticism. The disease can be extremely tricky to diagnose and treat, partly because its symptoms mirror those found in many other conditions. Addison's disease results when the adrenal glands produce insufficient corticosteroids, the fight-or-flight hormones. Signs of the disease in dogs are varied and include depression, weakness, dehydration and incontinence. Incontinence may occur from polyuria, or increased urine production, explains Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
-
Features
-
Addison's occurs most frequently in female dogs between the ages of 4 and 5. The condition can come on suddenly or have the effect of coming and going. One known cause is damage to the adrenal glands by the animal's own immune system. Because Addison's robs the animal of the stress hormones, it is then unable to cope when stressed. Stress reactions may actually bring on the disease or make the existing disease worse.
Urination And Incontinence
-
Other symptoms include diminished appetite and weight loss. There can be vomiting and loose stools. Some dogs drink excessively and then urinate copiously, or because of the overload of urine in the bladder, they become incontinent, often "leaking" in their bedding, or in their owner's bed, at night.
Identification
-
Blood tests are key in the diagnosing of the disease. Specifically, hormone levels are checked. Addison's is a life-threatening condition; therefore, veterinarians are quick to begin treatment before test results confirm the suspected diagnosis.
The particularly worrisome effects of Addison's are low blood pressure and abnormal electrolyte levels. If these aren't addressed, shock and death can result. Rehydration therapy is often the answer, and it's initiated right away.
Hormones And Urination
-
In Addison's, there is often a deficiency in two different categories of hormones, explains PetPlace.com. These are the mineralocorticoids and the glucocorticoids. Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid hormone. It maintains blood sugar and combats stress. Aldosterone is the primary mineralocorticoid. Aldosterone is responsible for regulating and balancing the potassium, chloride, sodium and water ratios in the body. When the adrenal glands no longer produce aldosterone, the dog's urinary system can go haywire, leading to excessive urination and incontinence.
Treatment
-
Addison's disease is treated by replacing the adrenal hormones that have been lost. Veterinarians tend to prescribe prednisone. This prescription medication involves a lifetime commitment. It can be given orally every day, injected monthly or implanted under the skin as a pellet on a 10-month schedule. Proper dosage is maintained by retesting the dog at regular intervals. Once the condition is brought under control, most of the dog's symptoms will disappear, including any urinary issues and incontinence, if present.
-