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Your pet has been diagnosed with Addison's Disease or Hypoadrenocorticism. In this condition, the body is missing certain
hormones from the adrenal gland. The first hormone missing is
Aldosterone. This hormone controls the balance of sodium and potassium
in the body. Without it, the sodium level gets very low and the
potassium builds up in the blood. This can lead to weakness, vomiting,
diarrhea and collapse. In addition to Aldosterone, many of these pets
are also lacking Cortisone. Cortisone helps the body in times of stress
such as illness, pregnancy, heat cycle etc. When it is missing, the pets
may also become weak, lose their appetites, vomit or have diarrhea.
Fortunately, supplying the missing hormone in pill or injection format
readily treats Addison’s disease. We will use the drug Florinef (oral)
or Percorten (injectablt) to replace the Aldosterone. This drug must be
given for the rest of your pet's life. The oral version is generally
given twice daily in most cases, whereas the injectable drug is given
every 4 weeks. It is important that we check the effectiveness of this
drug by monitoring the sodium and potassium levels in your pet's blood
on a regular basis. In the beginning of treatment, we will want to check
these levels every week for 2-3 weeks then every 6 weeks for 4 months
then every 4 months. In addition, every year, a complete chemistry
profile and complete blood count must be done.
If you miss a dose, don't panic. Your pet may get a bit weak, but will
not generally get into serious trouble. Give the normal dose at the next
treatment time.
In some dogs we will need to replace the cortisone they are lacking by
using oral prednisone. If your pet seems weak, or has any of the other
symptoms mentioned above, give prednisone as directed and see if the pet
improves within an hour or so. If it does not have this effect, call us
or consult the emergency clinic if it is after hours.
Many pets live perfectly normal lives with the addition of these drugs.
You must always notify any veterinarian (i.e. at emergency clinics) that
your pet has this disease so they can modify their treatment plan
accordingly.
If you have any questions concerning this disease, or any aspect of your
pet’s health care, please do not hesitate to call us. |
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