Symptoms of Canine Addisons Disease

Canine Addison's Disease happens when a dog's adrenal glands stop producing the hormones that regulate how much sodium is in the dog's blood. The lack of hormones creates an increase in potassium levels and a decrese in blood pressure, which could cause the dog to go into fatal shock. The disease can be treated using medication, and with proper treatment, prognosis is good. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

  1. Weak Muscles

    • Addison's Disease causes muscle weakness in dogs, causing them to become much more tired or lethargic than usual. Dogs with Addison's Disease often avoid physical activities such as climbing stairs or jumping onto beds. These dogs may seem depressed and sleep more than they usually do.

    Gastrointestinal Problems

    • Vomiting and/or diarrhea are common in dogs with Addison's Disease. Occasionally the vomit or diarrhea are tinged with blood. These symptoms are common in many canine diseases, but when coupled with one or more of the other symptoms of Addison's Disease, they are a cause for concern.

    Skin Discoloration

    • Dogs with Addison's Disease commonly have patches of skin that are darker than the rest of the skin. These areas of skin become darkened even without sun exposure. Look for signs of hyperpigmentation (skin discoloration) at the armpits, genitals, nasal area or inside the cheeks.

    Achy Joints

    • Muscle weakness might not be the only reason a dog with Addison's Disease avoids physical activity. Joint pain is often present in dogs with Addison's, and it also makes dogs reluctant to participate in physical activity. Signs of joint pain include limping, yelping or whining when walking or moving about.

    Appetite Loss

    • Dogs with Addison's Disease often lose interest in eating. They might show signs of reluctance or disinterest at meal times or eat smaller portions than usual. A dog with Addison's Disease might refuse to eat at all.

    Shivering

    • Muscle tremors or shivering are common among dogs with Addison's Disease. Your dog may also shake uncontrollably. If this occurs on a regular basis, and is coupled with one or more of the other symptoms in this article, your dog might have Addison's Disease.