Causes...

As previously mentioned addisons disease in dogs is caused by not enough cortisol being produced by the adrenal glands - there are a number of reasons why the adrenal glands start not producing enough cortisol including...

• Adrenal gland tumors
• A tumor affecting the pituitary gland
• An infection of the adrenal glands
• Hemorrhaging
• Injury or trauma to the adrenal glands
• Due to your dog or puppy being exposed to steroids for too long
• Medication stopped too suddenly and not over a period of time
• Fungal infections
• Cancer
• Genetics -the condition has been inherited

This condition is actually more common in females than male and is thought to affect certain breeds including...

• Labrador Retrievers
• Portuguese Water Dogs
• Standard Poodles
• Great Danes
• Bearded Collies

Primary - This due to your dog or puppy not producing enough mineralcorticoids and glucocorticoids.

Secondary - This is when the pituitary glands don't produce enough adrenocorticotropic hormone - also known as ACTH. This is essential for the adrenal glands to be stimulated enough for them to produce enough hormone.

Atypical - This is when the adrenal glands have been damaged which has also affected the imune system.

Death will occur when the sodium levels in your dog's blood have become dangerously low and the potassium levels too high - this cause the blood pressure to fall which can then lead to death.

Diagnosis...

Treatment...

The treatment for this condition will include drugs and medications to help replace the hormones that your dog isn't producing...including...

• Percorten V - in collaboration with Prednisone which will help replace the cortisol that your dog's adrenal glands are not producing.
• Oral medication like - Fludrocortisone acetate.
• Your dog may have to have intravenous fluids injected including electrolytes and corticosteroids.