Is Your Dog At Risk? Discover Atypical Addison’s Disease In Dogs 2024
Atypical addison's disease in dogs symptoms
Atypical addison’s disease in dogs occurs when the adrenal gland cannot be able to produce normal levels of cortisol hormone, but still produce aldosterone.
Corticosteroids can be considered the most important hormones in the body, due to their effect on the balance of every organ and system. Cortisol controls many processes.
At physiological concentrations, it benefits wound healing, inhibits diuresis, and promotes normal gastrointestinal function.
Cortisol maintains cardiac output and systemic vascular tone, thus maintaining blood pressure.
In this article, we will review atypical addison’s disease in dogs and discuss the right methods for diagnosis and treatment.
Atypical addison’s disease in dogs
Atypical addison’s disease in dogs is also known as hypoadrenocorticism and it is a lesser-known but important condition that can affect your dog. Unlike typical addison’s disease in dogs, this type does not affect your dog’s electrolytes(sodium and potassium) and can pass without noticing it due to its vague symptoms.
Atypical addison’s disease in dogs can manifest by signs of lethargy, vomiting, or poor appetite, which can easily be mistaken for other illnesses.
If your dog has vague clinical signs and tests are not helpful, you may want to consider atypical addison’s disease.
Before we talk about the symptoms of atypical addison’s disease in dogs, let us take a quick look at addison’s disease in general and its types.
What is addison’s disease in dogs?
The adrenal glands are small organs that are located next to the dog’s kidneys.
The adrenal glands are formed from medulla(the center of the gland) and cortex(the outer area of the gland) ,and both areas produce different hormones, but addison’s disease occurs as a result of an imbalance in the percentage of hormones secreted from cortex.
The cortex is responsible for production of cortisol and aldosterone hormones and these hormones are very important for regulating life-sustaining functions such as blood pressure, electrolytes, metabolism, hydration, and stress responses.
Types of addison’s disease
There are two types of addison’s disease in dogs
1-Primary addison’s disease
Primary addison’s disease is subdivided into two types:
Typical type
In this type, there is a loss of the entire adrenal cortex function so there will be disturbance of both cortisol and aldosterone hormones.
Atypical type
Atypical Addisonian dog, in this type, only some portions of cortex are affected so there will be an imbalance in cortisol hormone only.
Primary type occurs because the immune system of dogs attacks and destroys the adrenal gland itself and there is no clear reason for that.
The drug used for treatment of cushing’s disease can cause addison’s disease as this drug destroys adrenal tissues and lead to deficiency of aldosterone and cortisol hormones.
2-Secondary addison’s disease
This type occurs due to pituitary gland tumor as this gland is considered an important hormonal regulator and is located in the brain.
Secondary addison’s disease can be a result of long-term use of steroids.
Atypical addison’s disease in dogs symptoms
Atypical addison’s disease in dogs make the case more challenging to diagnose as the dogs experience less severe symptoms of addison’s disease.
Here are some signs of atypical addison’s disease in dogs:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased thirst and urination
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Low blood pressure
Not all dogs show all symptoms, so if you notice any of these symptoms, it is better to see your vet for proper diagnosis.
Canine atypical addison’s disease is a relatively uncommon condition that can significantly impact a dog’s health and well-being. Unlike typical Addison’s disease, which is caused by a deficiency in adrenal hormones, atypical Addison’s in dogs is characterized by the adrenal glands producing insufficient amounts of cortisol.
How to differentiate between typical and atypical addison’s disease in dogs according to the symptoms?
Typical vs atypical addison’s dogs, the main difference is in typical type, the dog suffers from severe symptoms and he will be present in a physiological crisis.
In typical type, the dog suffers from shock, collapse, low body temperature, weak pulses, and extreme weakness.
These severe symptoms aren’t typically found in atypical addison’s dogs disease.
In contrast, atypical addison’s disease in dogs symptoms are milder and the dogs with atypical addison’s disease experience recurrent episodes of gastrointestinal(GI) signs before being diagnosed.
Which breeds of dogs are more susceptible to atypical addison’s disease?
There are some breeds of dogs are more susceptible to atypical addison’s dog disease such as:
- Retrievers
- Great Danes
- Standard Poodles
- West Highland White Terriers
- Portuguese Water
What is the diagnosis of Atypical addison’s disease in dogs?
The first step of atypical addison’s in dogs is physical examination.
Your vet will ask about medical history and what the symptoms that have appeared on the dog are.
The vet will perform a palpation and auscultation analysis.
The next step will include performing laboratory tests and imaging.
The laboratory tests will include these following tests:
ACTH-stimulation test
ACTH-stimulation test this test is important to check cortisol levels.
Thyroid test
To check thyroid function
EKG
This test is done to check the heart rhythm.
Antibody tests
To check if there is any infection.
Urinalysis
Electrolytes test
To check sodium and potassium levels.
Chemical blood tests
These tests are used for evaluating the function of body organs such as the liver, pancreas, and kidneys.
The diagnosis can be done through imaging such as:
- Ultrasound
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI
What is the ACTH-stimulation test used for diagnosis of atypical addison’s disease in dogs?
The first step is collecting a blood sample to measure baseline cortisol levels.
Then the dog will immediately receive an injection of ACTH-like drug(cosyntropin).
This drug mimics the level of ACTH released from the pituitary gland.
After that, another blood sample is taken after one hour for secondary measurement of cortisol levels and to detect how the adrenal gland responds to ACTH.
There is an alternative to cosyntropin which is ACTH gel.
If ACTH gel is used, blood is drawn within two hours after administration.
But in general, cosyntropin is preferred over ACTH gel as it is more consistent and takes less time.
Summary
Atypical addison’s disease in dogs is not a very worrying matter, although it is somewhat difficult to diagnose, the symptoms it causes are minor and can be treated.
The treatment depends on the administration of some medications, such as dexamethasone and also fluid therapy is needed to prevent dehydration.
Low cortisol levels in dogs not Addison’s: understanding the causes and symptoms
Low cortisol levels in dogs are often associated with Addison’s disease, but other factors can also contribute to this hormonal imbalance. It’s essential to recognize the signs and seek appropriate veterinary care to address the underlying cause.
What is Cortisol?
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, located near the kidneys. It regulates various body functions, including:
- Stress response
- Metabolism
- Immune system
- Blood pressure
Causes of Low Cortisol Levels Beyond Addison’s
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis Issues:
- Pituitary tumors
- Hypothyroidism
Adrenal Gland Disorders:
- Adrenal hyperplasia
- Adrenal tumors
- Other Medical Conditions:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Chronic stress
Recognizing the Signs
Low cortisol levels can manifest in various ways, including:
- Lethargy and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Low blood pressure
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Skin problems (e.g., hair loss, pigmentation changes)
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect your dog may have low cortisol levels in dogs not Addison’s, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian. They will conduct a thorough examination and may order blood tests to measure cortisol levels and assess other organ functions.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. It may involve medication to replace cortisol, addressing any underlying medical conditions, or managing symptoms as needed.
By understanding the various factors that can contribute to low cortisol levels in dogs not Addison’s, pet owners can be more aware of potential signs and seek appropriate veterinary care for their furry friends.
Understanding Addison’s Disease In Dogs Life Expectancy is important
Addison’s Disease in Dogs: A Lifelong Partnership
Addison’s Disease in dogs life Expectancy
With proper treatment, dogs with Addison’s disease can live long, healthy lives. The key to managing the condition lies in early diagnosis and consistent treatment. The prognosis is generally good, especially when the disease is caught early and treated appropriately.
Treatment and Management
Treatment for Addison’s disease typically involves lifelong medication. Cortisol replacement therapy is essential to maintain normal hormonal levels. Regular veterinary check-ups and blood tests are necessary to monitor the dog’s response to treatment and adjust medication as needed.
Quality of Life
While Addison’s disease requires ongoing management, it does not necessarily mean a diminished quality of life. With the right care, dogs can enjoy a happy and active life. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and plenty of love and attention can help them thrive.
Tips for Caregivers
- Educate Yourself: Learn as much as you can about Addison’s disease to better understand your dog’s condition.
- Monitor for Symptoms: Be vigilant for signs of an Addisonian crisis, such as weakness, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Follow Treatment Plans: Adhere to your veterinarian’s recommendations for medication and monitoring.
- Provide a Supportive Environment: Create a stress-free environment for your dog to help manage their condition.
- Join Support Groups: Connect with other pet owners who are dealing with Addison’s disease for advice and support.
While Addison’s disease can be a challenging diagnosis, with proper care and management, dogs can live long and fulfilling lives. By understanding the condition, following treatment plans, and providing a loving home, you can help your dog thrive
Read more
Home remedies to treat scabies in humans
