What it is
The adrenal glands sit next to the kidneys. Among other things, they make cortisol, which helps the body handle stress, and aldosterone, which keeps the balance of sodium, potassium and water. In Addison's disease too little of these hormones is made; this can happen when the dog's own immune system damages the glands.
Without enough of these hormones, a dog copes poorly with anything that unsettles it: a journey, visitors, a change in routine. The signs can wax and wane for weeks or months, and between bad spells the dog may seem perfectly well.
Day to day, it helps to keep a short diary of when your dog seems off colour and what was happening at the time. A dog with this condition needs regular check-ups with a vet, and the people who look after it should know about the condition so they can spot a sudden decline in time.
Signs you may notice
- Listless and tired
- Eats less or refuses food
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Losing weight
- Shaking or trembling
- Sudden weakness or collapse
You may notice a dog that becomes listless, eats less, vomits, has diarrhoea or loses weight, sometimes after a stressful event. If the dog collapses or becomes severely weak, don't wait: take it to a vet right away.
When to see a vet
If your dog collapses or suddenly becomes very weak, a vet is needed immediately. Vague signs such as tiredness, poor appetite or an upset stomach that keep coming back are worth booking a visit for.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.