Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's Disease) in Dogs

Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's Disease) in Dogs

By: Dr. Bari Spielman

Section: Information In-depth

Hypoadrenocorticism is a relatively uncommon disease, but it is highly treatable. Nevertheless, without proper veterinary care, the condition can be fatal. Because the history, clinical signs, and presentation of dogs with hypoadrenocorticism are so variable, there are other illnesses that must initially be considered when establishing a definitive diagnosis. These illnesses may include:

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies that cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness

  • Infections of the gastrointestinal tract with bacteria (Salmonella, Campylobactor, Clostridia), viruses (parvovirus, coronavirus), fungi (histoplasmosis), or parasites (whipworms)

  • Neoplasia (cancer) of the gastrointestinal tract, such as lymphosarcoma and adenocarcinoma

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a syndrome of chronic intestinal inflammation

  • Kidney diseases, su
    ch as acute kidney failure and pyelonephritis (infection of the kidney)

  • Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea

  • Urinary blockage resulting in hyperkalemia (high blood potassium) and azotemia (abnormal kidney function test)

  • Diseases causing hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels), such as cancer and parathyroid gland diseases

     
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
    and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's Syndrome) in Dogs

      Hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing’s syndrome refers to a disease state in which overactive adrenal tissue produces excessive amounts of cortisone, and when produced in excessive amounts these substances...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Anorexia (Loss of Appetite) in Dogs

      Anorexia is a term used to describe the situation where an animal loses his appetite and does not want to eat or is unable to eat. Appetite is psychological, as compared to hunger, which is aroused by...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Vomiting in Dogs

      At one time or another your dog may have a bout of vomiting, usually from eating too much or too fast. Vomiting may be just a sign of a minor problem – or it could be something very serious.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4 Acute Collapse in Dogs

      If your dog suffers an acute collapse, he will sit down suddenly or lie down and won’t be able to get back up. He may even lose consciousness. Call or take your pet to your veterinarian immediately.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5 Polydipsia and Polyuria (excessive drinking and urinating) in Dogs

      Polydipsia is the term used to describe excessive thirst. Polyuria is the termed used to describe what results from excessive thirst, increase urine production. Polydipsia and polyuria are early signs...

      Read MoreRead More
  • Related Articles
    • 1Anorexia (Loss of Appetite) in Dogs

      Anorexia is a term used to describe the situation where an animal loses his appetite and does not want to eat or is unable to eat. Appetite is psychological, as compared to hunger, which is aroused by...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Vomiting in Dogs

      At one time or another your dog may have a bout of vomiting, usually from eating too much or too fast. Vomiting may be just a sign of a minor problem – or it could be something very serious.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Acute Collapse in Dogs

      If your dog suffers an acute collapse, he will sit down suddenly or lie down and won’t be able to get back up. He may even lose consciousness. Call or take your pet to your veterinarian immediately.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4Polydipsia and Polyuria (excessive drinking and urinating) in Dogs

      Polydipsia is the term used to describe excessive thirst. Polyuria is the termed used to describe what results from excessive thirst, increase urine production. Polydipsia and polyuria are early signs...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's Syndrome) in Dogs

      Hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing’s syndrome refers to a disease state in which overactive adrenal tissue produces excessive amounts of cortisone, and when produced in excessive amounts these substances...

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Related Articles
    • 1Anorexia (Loss of Appetite) in Dogs

      Anorexia is a term used to describe the situation where an animal loses his appetite and does not want to eat or is unable to eat. Appetite is psychological, as compared to hunger, which is aroused by...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Vomiting in Dogs

      At one time or another your dog may have a bout of vomiting, usually from eating too much or too fast. Vomiting may be just a sign of a minor problem – or it could be something very serious.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Acute Collapse in Dogs

      If your dog suffers an acute collapse, he will sit down suddenly or lie down and won’t be able to get back up. He may even lose consciousness. Call or take your pet to your veterinarian immediately.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4Polydipsia and Polyuria (excessive drinking and urinating) in Dogs

      Polydipsia is the term used to describe excessive thirst. Polyuria is the termed used to describe what results from excessive thirst, increase urine production. Polydipsia and polyuria are early signs...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's Syndrome) in Dogs

      Hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing’s syndrome refers to a disease state in which overactive adrenal tissue produces excessive amounts of cortisone, and when produced in excessive amounts these substances...

      Read MoreRead More