Canine Addison's disease also referred to as hypoadrenocorticism is related to the dysfunction of the animal’s adrenal glands. The basic function of these glands is to secrete two hormones namely; cortisol and aldestorone. These hormones in turn are involved in the regulation of sodium content in the blood. The absence of these two hormones results in an electrolyte imbalance in the body illustrated by a decrease in the level of sodium and increase in level of potassium. |
Sponsored Links :
|
Other significant repercussions of this medical condition are decreased blood pressure and low rate of respiration, an amalgamation of which can prove fatal for the animal. Female dogs and breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles and Portuguese Water Dogs are observed to be more prone to the disorder.
There are 3 known variants of Canine Addison’s disease. The Primary form of the disease is characterized by the inability of the adrenal glands to secrete mineralcorteriods and glucococosteriods. Treatment for this type of Addison’s disease in dogs comes in the form of replacement therapy of mineralocortioids. The Atypical variant of the disease incorporates breakdown of the immunity of the adrenal glands which can be rectified by the replacing the glucocorticoids. Treatment should be administered at the earliest as in absence of proper treatment the disease may aggravate taking the primary form. The last type of Addison’s disease is referred to as Secondary which is illustrated by the dysfunction of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland fails to produce the hormone ACTH that in turn hampers the working of the adrenal glands. Treatment calls for replacement therapy of glucocorticoids. Many drugs are also beneficial towards the treatment of Addison’s disease such as Percorten and Prednisone.
More Articles :
|
