By
Brian on Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 |
No Comments[mage lang="en" source="flickr"]canine cushings disease[/mage]
What are the symptoms of Addisons Disease in dogs?
Canine Addisons Disease is Serious. Essentially what happens is your dog’s body under produces an adrenal secretion known as corticosteroids. It’s the opposite of Cushings Disease in which the adrenal glands over produce corticosteroids. Addisons Disease requires immediate medical attention. Please get your dog to the vet emergency clinic right away!
Lethargy is a symptom of Addisons Disease
Addisons symptoms are tricky to pick up so many dogs may actually be suffering from the disease before its finally diagnosed. Symptoms look too common, such as diarrhea and lethargy plus appetite loss. We’ve all had pets that show these conditions. In list form, here are the typical Addisons Disease symptoms:
1. Lethargy and Loss of Appetite
2. Diarrhea and/or Constipation and/or dehydration
3. Muscle Weakness
4. Vomiting
Also there is something called “Addisons Crisis” and you need to be mindful of this. In three out of ten situations (30%), your dog will go into crisis — a sure sign of Addisons — and he or she will collapse in shock because his body is devoid of blood sugar and cannot adapt to the imbalance of electrolytes and metabolism whilst stressed. In addition the heart rate slows and the beat becomes irregular (a condition known as arrhythmia). All troubling and serious signs. Again, the smart thing to do is rush your pet to the vet.
Conventional veterinary medicine treats Addisons Disease in dogs using drugs, and the most commonly prescribed is Florinef — pharmaceutically known as fludrocortisone. And this drug acts by replacing missing hormones in the body. Another option is an injectable medication called Percorten-V that is given under the skin once a month.
Natural herbal remedies on the other hand can be fed to your dog to support the immune system and provide added nutrients to the body, and thereby slow down the progress of Addisons Disease. Two herbs that work safely and effectively to support your pet suffering from Addisons (or in recovery) are Dandelion and Nettle. They are both nutritious, being rich in minerals and vitamins. Other immune boosting herbs are Echinacea and Astragalus.
Supplements can also benefit dogs that are suffering from Addisons Disease. Nordic Naturals has a wonderful product that we carry called Omega-3 Pet which is rich in Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) or Animal Essentials’ Multi-Vitamin Herbal Supplements – this one also is top notch and a big seller in our store.
Both of these great products taste great, have extraordinary purity and are rich in vitamins and minerals beneficial for strengthening your dog’s adrenal functions, immune system, and overall general health.
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by William Greenbaum, aka love ya woof!
Namaste, in health
About the Author
William Greenbaum hails from Ferndale, WA and Vancouver, B.C. He is an outdoor guy, avid sportsman, triathlete, cyclist, pet lover, poet, adventure photographer and spiritualist. William’s passions in life are his kids, sports, animals, the arts and business. He has been an entrepreneur all his life with three careers – reporter, theater producer and CEO of a wholesale distribution company in the USA and Canada. He is the Founder of All Pet Naturals — a natural health company specializing in the pet industry, and distributing to pet owners the finest holistic line of natural herbal and homeopathic remedies on the market today. For more information visit http://allpetnaturals.com or email him directly at bill@allpetnaturals.com. Namaste, in health.
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