NOVEMBER 2011: CANINE ADRENAL DISEASES

None are as fiercely loyal as dog people. In return, no doubt, for the never-ending loyalty of dogs.  ~Linda Shrieves~

Sometime ago I saw an excellent BBCdocumentary entitled: ‘Horizon: The Secret Life of the Dog’.  The full length version has become unavailable but it can now be seen in a shortened Nova presentation called “Dogs De-coded” (viewed streaming through Netflix or at http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/dogs-decoded/). I highly recommend taking the time—less than an hour—to watch this.

Adrenals, the small glands located just above the kidneys, are an essential componant in balancing hormonal activities that affects your dog’s ability to maintain a stable and constant internal environment, known as homeotasis. They are part of what is known as the ‘Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axix’ , or HPA Axis. The HPA Axis plays a  major role in how the body responds to physical and psychological stresses on immunity and digestion. In this newsletter, we’ll look at the two most common canine adrenal gland diseases: Addison’s and Cushing’s.

Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)is Hyposecretion, or too little secretion of the hormone Cortisol from the adrenal gland.

Though not commonly found in young dogs, we lost our Border Collie, Mollie, to Addison’s. (It happened some time ago, before I was educated on the importance of not feeding table scraps to as sensitive a creature as was Mollie, and I believe her diet played a part in her succumbing to this disease.)

Symptoms include lethargy after simple exercise, poor appetite, de-hydration, diarrhea, vomiting, and an increase in water consumption and urination. (Our Mollie also siezured.) These symptoms are commonly found in many gastrointestinal disorders and diseases and so it’s often misdiagnosed. It’s important for a vet to see your pet if he’s exhibiting any of these symptoms. With Addisons, it’s crucial to seek help in order to prevent a full ‘Addisonian Crisis’, which is an acute emergency and often fatal. To test, a vet will need to perform a ACTH test (about $150).

Addison’s can’t be cured, but, with suplementing the missing Cortisol, diet, and perhaps steroid therapy , Secondary Addisons can be managed and many dogs live comfortably for a long time. (An online information & support site can be found at http://www.addisondogs.com/)

Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocortism)is Hypersecretion, or, too much secretion of Cortisol from the adrenal gland. It’s found more commonly in adult to older dogs and, like Addison’s, symptoms can vary enough to make a diagnosis difficult. Symptoms include weight loss, (though a dog may exhibit a pot belly), lethargy, thinning of hair, skin lesions, increased thirst,  urination & hunger, muscle atrophy & weakness, restlessness and panting.

Laboratory tests need to be conducted in order to diagnose, but Cushings can be caused by long term overuse of steroids. This form is easier to diagnose and treat by discontinuing steroid treatment (though, of course, the underlying reasons why steroids are being used will still need to be addressed). Treatment may include a drug, Lysodren, which supresses production of Cortisol.

To prevent future compromise of your dog’s adrenal function, be sure to provide a healthy diet and limit psychological as well as psysical stesses.

(Cats also will react to stress by releasing harmful chemicals. In fact, dramatically altered blood tests can result if a cat is under duress. Veterinary professionals try to segregate cats & dogs as much as possible in order to reduce feline stress.)

Speaking of cats…..a recent tragedy experienced by a client at a veterinary office reminded me how cats, who generally like stealth movement, high places, and small hidden enclosures, are especially vulnerable to appliances we assume safe. The family’s cat tried to enter the garage just as the automatic door closed but, by the time he was found, it was too late. Another cat at the same clinic didn’t survive a spin in the clothes dryer. (After finding our own cat curled up in the dryer, we realized how important it is to keep the doors on all appliances closed).

If you would like to learn how to become a dog groomer, our classes begin the second Tuesday, of every month. Please contact our DumfriesSchoolat 703-221-3647.

Linda still has one Toy Poodle, a male, for sale. If you’re interested in an addition to your family, please call Linda Law at 540-854-0046.

~ Written by Rebecca Nilson ~ nilsonowensrebecca@gmail.com    

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