How to Combat Low Cortisol Levels
If your dog's cortisol levels are too low, he has a condition called Addison's Disease. This disease occurs when there is a decrease in the amount of corticosteriod being secreted from the adrenal gland. While there are many different causes of Addison's Disease, the most common is destruction of glands by the body. In order to combat this issue, there are a few medications that can be given.
Instructions
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Determine what is causing the low cortisol levels in your dog. Common causes for Addison's Disease include immune mediated disorders and adrenal gland infections or tumors. Blood work is usually run to determine the offending factors, while the use of ultrasounds are beneficial in diagnosing tumors. Once the determining factor is recognized, treatment can begin to raise the low cortisol levels.
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Replace the missing mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids in your dog's body. The medication that is used most often to treat Addison's Disease is Florinef, which is usually given twice a day. Another treatment that is available is the use of Percorten injections. This treatment is newer than the use of Florinef and lasts longer -- dogs who are treated with this desoxycorticosterone pivilate, or DOCP, only need the injection every 25 days. This treatment is ideal for dogs who are difficult to administer medication to or for owners who aren't reliable enough to give the medication daily.
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Monitor your dog's progress with regular blood work. Dogs who are placed on Florinef need to have their blood levels checked frequently to ensure that the dosage that was prescribed is accurate. When your dog is first placed on this medication, his blood sodium and potassium levels are monitored. Once your dog's dosage is regulated, the blood is usually checked two or three times a year.
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Tips & Warnings
If your dog has Addison's Disease, he is at risk for experiencing an Addisonian crisis. This usually occurs in times of stress and will cause the dog to faint. An Addisonian crisis is caused by an imbalance of electrolytes and minerals in the dog's body and will send him into a state of shock. If your dog experiences this, contact your veterinarian immediately.
