What is Addisons disease in dogs?
Addison’s disease results from inadequate secretion of corticosteroid hormones by the adrenal glands. There are two types of corticosteroids, namely glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Glucocorticoids play a significant role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Mineralocorticoids are needed for regulating water and electrolyte balance in the body. Decreased levels of these hormones can lead to reduced sodium and raised potassium levels in the blood, causing low blood pressure. Corticosteroid hormones help the animal to withstand stress physiologically. Deficiency of these hormones result in Addison’s disease in dogs. There are three types of canine Addison’s disease such as primary, secondary and atypical. Primary Addison’s disease results from insufficient production of both glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Secondary Addison’s disease occurs, when the pituitary gland secretes inadequate amounts of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone ), which is necessary to
