Mary Allen
The main cause of Addison’s disease is the destruction of the adrenal cortex.
Addison’s disease is a relatively rare disease that often goes undiagnosed. Properly diagnosed dogs with well-adjusted therapy can lead normal lives but should be seen regularly by the vet for check-ups. Lifelong therapy is associated with corresponding costs.
Causes
The main cause is the destruction of the adrenal cortex areas, which are responsible for the production of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. This is most commonly done by your own immune system (autoimmune disease). In very rare cases, the area of mineralocorticoid production can also be preserved here. Rarer causes are tumors, infections, circulatory disorders, and stopping cortisone preparations too quickly.
The Function Of Healthy Adrenal Glands
The two adrenal glands are located in close proximity to the kidneys. They produce glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids in their adrenal cortex, which enter the entire body via the bloodstream and are therefore classified as hormones. They are absolutely vital, as they are needed by cells throughout the body to maintain normal cell function, otherwise severe cell damage occurs.
Result Of A Damaged Adrenal Gland
If there is a lack of glucocorticoids, in this case primarily the body’s own cortisol, the following deviations from the norm can occur: gastrointestinal problems, problems in regulating the immune system, and energy metabolism (including hypoglycemia, problems in lipid metabolism), no adequate stress reaction.
Mineralocorticoids regulate, among other things, the body’s potassium/sodium balance. If there is a lack of mineralocorticoids, primarily aldosterone, this can lead to impaired potassium excretion. This can lead to severe cardiac arrhythmias and a heart rate that is too slow. Sodium loss through the kidneys can lead to dangerously low blood pressure and reduced blood flow to organs (including the kidneys).
Symptoms Of Addison’s Disease
The symptoms are diverse and can occur individually or in combination. These include vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain, reduced appetite, weight loss, severe tiredness to lethargy, tremors, slow heartbeat, increased drinking behavior, and increased urination. These symptoms can increase to a sudden “total failure” (Addisonian crisis) of the animal: collapse, shock symptoms, and gastrointestinal bleeding. This is an absolute emergency and a veterinarian should be consulted immediately, as the animal may die suddenly.
Laboratory Diagnostics
A complete blood test including the determination of the electrolytes and the basal cortisol value is carried out. If there is a suspicion that Addison’s disease is present, an ACTH stimulation test should be carried out to confirm or rule out this suspicion. In individual cases, it is then decided whether further examinations such as X-rays or ultrasound are necessary.
Kind Of Treatment
Treatment depends on the condition of the animal. If the animal is presented with an Addisonian crisis, intensive therapy is essential (infusion, stabilization of the electrolyte shift). If the animal is in a stable condition, long-term therapy (usually lifelong) is started: glucocorticoids are used in tablet form, the animal usually only needs a relatively low dose, and uninterrupted administration is crucial. Mineralocorticoid therapy is relatively expensive and is given in the form of injections at fixed intervals. If animals only require glucocorticoids, since the area of mineralocorticoid production in the adrenal cortex (in the rarest of cases) is still functioning, these must be monitored particularly closely. Your condition can deteriorate very quickly.