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CANINE ADDISON'S DISEASE: Hypoadrenocorticism

In a nutshell: Addisonians are unable to produce one or two hormones, so we must supplement those hormones artificially.

The first hormone that's missing (the ONLY one missing in dogs with primary "Atypical" or secondary Addison's) is cortisol, which manages metabolism, stress, blood pressure and the general sense of well being. Cortisol is a GLUCocorticoid (think glucose, sugar, energy) and is artificially supplemented with a low DAILY dose of prednisone or some other oral glucocorticoid (prednisolone, hydrocortisone, etc.) The correct dose of prednisone cannot be measured with a blood test -it's determined by your observations: the lowest dose that keeps your dog symptom free, happy and eating!

The second hormone that's missing (in dogs with primary "Typical" Addison's only) is aldosterone, which manages the electrolytes in the body. Aldosterone is a MINERALocorticoid (think minerals: salt, sodium, potassium) and is artificially supplemented with either DOCP (Percorten-v) or Florinef, sufficient to maintain normal levels of these minerals. Although there are recommended starting doses for DOCP (1.0 ml for 25 pounds of body weight) and Florinef (one 0.1 mg tablet for every TEN pounds of body weight) the correct dose must be determined by closely monitoring electrolyte levels and adjusting the dose accordingly! The goal is to maintain potassium and sodium values at a "happy medium" of whatever reference range the testing lab states on your dog's lab report. Lab values at either extreme end of these ranges are usually not a "comfort zone" for your Addisonian dog, and can actually be life-threatening!

Dogs with Addison's Disease can and DO lead full and happy lives when provided with replacements for the hormones their adrenal glands no longer produce.

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