How to Test for Addison's Disease in Dogs
Addison's disease is a condition where the adrenal gland stops producing enough hormones. These hormones regulate the amount of electrolytes, proteins and fats in the bloodstream. This is a rare illness in dogs, and because the symptoms are common to many diseases, it can be difficult to diagnose until something catastrophic happens. If you suspect your dog has Addison's disease, contact your veterinarian immediately. While rare, it can be treated with medication when diagnosed early.
Instructions
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Check for symptoms. The most common symptoms of Addison's disease are lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness and vomiting. The most serious symptom is an Addisonian crisis, where your dog will lose consciousness due to an electrolyte imbalance.
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Take your dog to the veterinarian. Tell your vet that you suspect Addison's disease. Since Addison's is so rare, your vet might not think to look at it right away. Suggesting it might have the tests for Addison's completed sooner.
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Have blood tests done. Blood tests will check for low sodium levels, high potassium levels and the initial amount of cortisol in the bloodstream.
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X-rays might be taken. Dogs with Addison's disease will occasionally have a small heart and enlarged esophagus.
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Have the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge test done. The vet will inject ACTH into the dog. Normal dogs will have a rise in cortisol levels, while a dog with Addison's will have little to no reaction to the injection.
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Tips & Warnings
Much is still unknown about Addison's disease, but it seems more common in some breeds than others.
If your dog has collapsed due to an Addisonian crisis, you need to take it to an emergency vet immediately. Your vet will treat a dog in an Addisonian crisis as though it has Addison's disease, even if there is no official diagnosis. This treatment includes administering fluids and glucocorticoids. After the has recovered, the vet will do normal Addison's disease tests.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit dog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.com
