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Addison's Disease signs & symptoms · Addison's Disease diagnosis · Addison's Disease treatment · Addison's Disease r elated articles
Addison's Medical terms: Osteoarthritis, Septic Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Addison’s Disease is a deficiency of cortisol (a glucocorticoid) and/or aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid). The deficiency can be caused by faulty brain (pituitary) signals to the adrenal glands or by faulty adrenal glands. Cortisol and aldosterone deficiencies cause the levels of sodium and potassium to be abnormal.
Why is Addison’s Disease bad for my pet?
Addison’s Disease can be fatal. The adrenal hormones (cortisol and aldosterone) that are diminished with Addison’s Disease are necessary for maintaining normal health, including blood pressure, kidney filtration, and a strong heartbeat. Without cortisol and aldosterone, your pet will be weak and may vomit. Its heart won’t beat normally; it can shake, and become dehydrated. If your pet is not treated with fluids and cortisol, it may die.
Who Gets Addison’s Disease?
Both dogs and cats develop Addison’s Disease, and the following breeds have a higher incidence than normal of canine Addison's Disease: Great Danes, Rottweilers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Standard Poodles, West Highland White Terriers, and Wheaten Terriers. Among cats, there are no breed predispositions.
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