The first recorded instance of Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism) in dogs was in 1953. The highest instance is in female dogs and in both sexes of certain breeds, including Poodles, Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, Saint Bernards, German Shepherds, Portuguese Water Dogs, Springer Spaniels, and Great Danes.
Addison’s Disease isn’t commonly diagnosed in dogs and is very rare in cats, which is why there is so little information available to those who are dealing with it. Information about natural treatment and support of Addison’s Disease in pets is even more difficult to find, which is why we’re publishing known information here today.
There are two known types of Addison’s Disease that can effect dogs or cats. Typical Addison’s Disease is thought to occur when the animal’s immune system produces antibodies that attack the adrenal glands. Secondary Addison’s Disease involves the sudden cessation of synthetic corticosteroid therapy after chronic use, as opposed to weaning the pet off the medication slowly.
The symptoms of Addison’s Disease in pets are subtle and a blood test will be required for a diagnosis. Symptoms are due to impaired production of hormones in the adrenal gland cortex, and may include muscle weakness or tremors, depression, anxiety, changes in temperament, decreased appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal tenderness, dehydration, low blood sugar, electrolyte imbalance, arrhythmia, or weak pulse. Exercise and stress may cause these symptoms temporarily with increasing frequency due to low cortisol production. Some symptoms mimic kidney disease and other more common diseases, which may result in misdiagnosis.
Natural treatments of Hypoadrenocorticism are mainly focused on supporting the adrenal gland.
- Natural, organic diet high in antioxidants
- Natural vitamin supplements
- Glandular supplements (adrenal gland extracts or tissue)
- Herbal & nutraceutical adrenal support under the guidance of your vet, such as dandelion leaf, borage leaf, parsley leaf, licorice, nettle, spirulina, and seaweed.
- Reduce stress
While these natural pet treatments have been proven to compliment medical treatment, your dog or cat will still require your veterinarian’s standard treatment.
Hypoadrenocorticism is irreversible, but the prognosis for pets suffering from Addison’s Disease is good with early intervention and lifelong therapy.
Have you ever had a pet that suffered from Addison’s Disease? Please share your experience in the comments below.
Sources:
Addison’s Disease. College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Health Topics. Washington State University.
Messonnier, Shawn DVM. Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats: Your A-Z Guide to Over 200 Conditions, Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements
Tilford, Gregory. Wulff, Mary. Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet’s Life
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Addison’s Disease makes life a little more complicated for the pet owner but the pets don’t suffer that much. There are worst things.
It sounds a lot worse than it is but it’s always a challenge and I appreciate the help.
The support group is fabulous!!!
I’m happy to try anything to help our pup thanks.
This information is a godsend as I research the disease that I just found out my dog has today. I cried so hard I barely heard what the vet said. Thanks for being here.
Great post!!! Our Retriever has Addisons Disease and I found it to be very helpful.
We are big on natural antiinflammatories around here anyway but it’s good to have the information.
OMG that’s a scary disease!!!
I hope I never have to deal with Addison’s but I feel more prepared if I do,,,thanks.
Our dog with Addisons Disease just passed away last year at the age of 12. She was 5 when she was diagnosed but with treatment she lived a good life. We have a big yard so she was ok when she got too nervous to go on walks. Other than that we just hired a house sitter (family member) when we went on vacation. Don’t lose hope, they”ll be ok.
I believe AD is more common than people think but vets make the wrong diagnosis. Always ask for a blood test!