Addisons Disease in Dogs

Addisons disease in dogs (aka canine hypoadrenocorticism or adrenal insufficiency) is not common but, when it occurs, is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. This page looks at the different forms of Addison's disease, the signs and symptoms, conventional treatment, as well as natural remedies that can be used to treat canine Addison's disease.

Addison's disease in dogs is a condition in which there is insufficient corticosteroid secretion from the adrenal glands.

This disease is the opposite of Cushing's disease. In Cushing's disease, the adrenal glands produce excessive corticosteroids.

While Addison's disease is not as common as Cushing's disease, it still occurs quite frequently in the dog population, especially among young to middle-aged female dogs. However, any dog - old or young, male or female - can develop the disease.

Functions of Adrenal Hormones

Corticosteroids are produced by the cortex (outer area) of the adrenal gland. One of the most important functions of corticosteroids is to make it possible for animals like dogs and cats to react and adapt physiologically to stress.

There are two groups of corticosteroids: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.

You may guess from the prefix gluco- that this group of hormones are related to metabolism of fuel such as carbohydrate. Indeed, glucocorticoids regulate the metabolism of protein, carbohydrate, and fat. When a dog, for example, is in a dangerous or stressful situation, these hormones prepare the body to metabolize fuel for energy.

Mineralocorticoids, on the other hand, regulate electrolyte balances of sodium and potassium. In a dangerous situation, these hormones help the dog's body to conserve sodium in preparation for possible blood loss. Conserving sodium means potassium is lost as a result.

As you can see, corticosteroids are indispensable for animals to physiologically adapt to stressful situations.

Symptoms of Addisons Disease in Dogs

Unfortunately, the symptoms of Addison's disease are not distinct and as such many dogs may be suffering from the disease for a while before a positive diagnosis can be made. Some of the more common symptoms are:

lethargy;
appetite loss;
vomiting;
diarrhea;
dehydration;
weight loss;
muscle weakness.

These symptoms may come and go for a while and the disease may not be properly diagnosed until an episode called an "Addisonian crisis" finally occurs. (Approximately 30% of dogs with Addison's disease are diagnosed at the time of an Addisonian crisis.)

In an episode of "Addisonian crisis", the dog collapses in shock because his body fails to adjust to an imbalance of electrolytes and fuel metabolism during a period of stress.

The result of an Addisonian crisis? Usually the dog will have very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high potassium levels. Also, heart problems such as slow heart rate and arrhythmias (irregular heart beat) may result. Severe cases of an Addisonian crisis can be fatal to the dog.

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Forms of Addisons Disease in Dogs

There are three forms of canine Addison's disease:

Primary Addison's

This is the most common form of canine Addisons disease. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the adrenal glands, causing damage to the glands making the glands fail to product sufficient amount of the corticosteroid hormones.

Another cause of primary Addison's disease is a tumor of the adrenal gland.

Secondary Addison's

Secondary Addison's disease is the result of a lack of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), whose function is to stimulate the adrenal gland to produce corticosteroids. ACTH is produced by the pituitary gland, which may fail to produce sufficient amount of ACTH due to injury, inflammation, or a pituitary tumor.

Atypical Addison's

Just like primary Addison's, atypical Addison's occurs when the adrenal glands fail to work properly. In cases of atypical Addison's, however, the adrenal glands fail to secrete sufficient amount of the glucocorticoid hormones only, whereas the electrolyte balances are usually normal.

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Treatment for Addisons Disease in Dogs

Conventional treatment for Addisons disease in dogs involves the use of one or more drugs to replace one or both of the hormones (mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids) in the dog's body. The drug most commonly prescribed is Florinef (fludrocortisone).

Another option is an injectable medication called Percorten-V that is given under the skin once a month.

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Natural Remedies for Dog Addisons Disease

While natural remedies cannot regenerate the adrenal glands, proper use of natural supplements and herbs can dramatically slow down the progression of Addisons disease in dogs. The key is to provide suitable nutrients to maintain a healthy body and a strong immune system.

In particular, the following herbs and supplements are beneficial:

Herbs: Nutritious herbs (especially those rich in beneficial minerals and vitamins for the proper functioning of the adrenals) such as dandelion, parsley, spirulina (blue-green algae) and nettle can be fed to a dog with symptoms of Addison's disease.
Immune-boosting herbs such as garlic, echinacea, and astragalus are also essential to strengthen the dog's immunity.
Natural Supplements: Dogs with Addison's disease can also benefit from essential fatty acids as well as antioxidants such as vitamins C, E and A.

An Excellent Supplement for Dogs with Addison's Disease
Animal Essentials Multi-Vitamin Herbal Supplement for Dogs

This supplement contains herbs (such as garlic, spirulina, nettle, dandelion) as well as EFA-rich flaxseed, vitamins and minerals which are all beneficial for strengthening a dog's adrenal functions, immune system, and overall general health.