Introduction
Addison’s disease in dogs is treatable and an afflicted dog can lead a healthy life once the condition is treated. The problem is that the disease is extremely difficult to spot because its symptoms match those of several other common ailments.
It takes a watchful dog-owner to spot the symptoms of Addison’s, especially because those symptoms may come and go for a period of weeks or even months.
Primary Symptoms
- Lethargy or Listlessness
- Lack of appetite
- Gastrointestinal issues: Vomiting or Diarrhea
Changes in Behavior
Another possible sign is if a dog deviates from things it usually does. For instance, if a dog shies away from jumping on a couch or bed that normally is not a problem for them, the owner should take note. That’s because pain in the hind quarters and muscle weakness are also symptoms of this disease. In some cases, tremors or shaking might even take place.
If the disease is left unchecked, the adrenal glands will deteriorate until the symptoms become much more severe and harder to manage. The dog’s potassium levels will elevate and disrupt the normal activity of the heart. Severely low blood pressure and renal failure are also possible.