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What is Addison's Disease? PetPlanet Vets PPAdmin pettalk@petplanet.co.uk |
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Dear Jessica Fourteen is a good age for a dog-so well done, your lady does sound to be in good condition despite it all!! Addison's disease is purely the opposite of Cushing's disease. In Cushing's disease the adrenal gland overproduces corticosteriods. This can be because of a problem with the pituitary gland in the brain which determines adrenal secretion or because of a problem with the adrenal gland itself. Medication used to control Cushing's disease works by reducing the number of adrenal cells and so reducing corticosteriod secretion. The effectiveness of therapy depends upon the type of Cushing's. If things have been going on for three years, it sounds as though the therapy has been very effective in your dog's case. Addison's disease occurs when the body underproduces corticosteriods. The signs of this can be very varied, and often rather vague but include lethargy, inappetance, weakness, sometimes vomiting and occasionally collapse Addison's disease may develop in dogs which have previously been Cushingoid when too much treatment is given, hence the use of the intermittent dosing for maintenance. If you keep a careful eye on your dog's thirst and appetite you will be aware of any fall in either of these which may be an early warning sign that there is overdosage and the treatment can be temporarily stopped and steroids supplemented by mouth if necessary (obviously with your vet's very careful guidance and surveillance). The development of Addison's disease is a risk for any Cushingoid dog on therapy which always has to be watched out for. Have things changed recently with your dog to make your vet mention it at this stage when you have already successfully managed for three years? Don't worry about diet-just worry about the quantity that she eats, and whether this changes!! Angela Bodey MRCVS (Vet for PetPlanet)
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