Addison's Disease

Question 1

Addison’s Disease

Answer 1

Hypoadrenocorticism
* inability for the adrenal glands to produce cortisol (glucocorticoids and
mineralocorticoids)
* often called “The Great Pretender / Imitator”
* vast range of C/S

Question 2

Addison’s Disease
Affected Breeds

Answer 2

Commonly Affects Dogs (any can be affected)
* standard poodles
* portuguese water dogs
* rottweilers
* westies

Question 3

Addison’s Disease
C/S

Answer 3

Symptoms may wax and wane
* addisonian crisis = medical ER
* weakness
* V / D
* picky appetite
* dehydration
* bradycardia / low BP

Question 4

Addison’s Disease
Lab Results

Answer 4

• Elevated potassium
• Low sodium and chloride
• Hypoglycemia
• Elevated BUN and Creatinine

Question 5

Addison’s Disease
Renal Values

Answer 5

• Decreased aldosterone = impared renal sodium retention and potassium secretion
• Decreased renal perfusion = hypovolemia / hypotension; decreased cardiac output

Question 6

Addison’s Disease
Testing

Answer 6

Test with an ACTH Stimulation Test

Question 7

Addison’s Disease
Treatment

Answer 7

Supportive care with fluids and steroids
* requires lifelong treatment
* fluid choice: sodium chloride

Question 8

Addison’s Disease
Steroids

Answer 8

• Dexamethasone: only to be given BEFORE ACTH - give for crisis situation
• Prednisolone: first start AFTER ACTH - can affect results

Question 9

Addison’s Disease
Medications

Answer 9

Mineralocorticoid
* DOCP Injections
* oral fludrocortisone acetate (mineralocorticoid + glucocorticoid)

Glucocorticoid
* oral pred