Addison's Disease - Hypoadrenocorticism
Most commonly seen in female dogs in their youth or middle years, Addison's Disease, or Hypoadrenocorticism, is the case in which the adrenal fail to produce enough cortisol to break down energy-containing nutrients.
Symptoms
- Increase in thirst and urine production
- Weakness
- Depression
- Lack of appetite
- Vomitting
Diagnostics
Addison's disease is determined by a ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone) stimulation test. This attempts to stimulate the adrenal glands into producing cortisol. Even under stimulation, the adrenal glands will fail to produce normal amounts of cortisol.
Available Treatments
Treatments may include medicated therapy. One of the more common treatments is a drug called Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate), or the injectionable Percortin. Additional cortisone supplements are also recommended, such as Prednisone.