Symptoms of Addison’s disease are not so specific in dogs. Moreover, even these vague symptoms vary over a period leading to a situation where dog owners are not even sure of its prevalence. Addison’s disease generally occurs due to autoimmune conditions.

Although it is not a conclusive diagnostic procedure, it is important to look for the level of primary ions of electrolytes like sodium and potassium. The proper amount and distribution of electrolytes in the body is essential for your dog’s health.

Final diagnosis of Addison’s disease, however, is done only after checking the response of the dog’s body to ACTH. ACTH is a hormone that is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland to stimulate the adrenal cortex to produce its own hormones.

Addison’s disease is basically a production disorder and is caused by an insufficiency of hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex. This is unlike canine Cushing’s disease, which is caused by excessive production of adrenal hormones. Addison’s disease is managed by giving supplemental hormones.

Aldosterone, a corticosteroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates salt (sodium and potassium) and water balance needs to be supplemented. This is achieved by administering a mineralocorticoid that influences the metabolism of sodium and potassium.

The term ‘organic’ is contextual and has various meanings. For the purpose of this article organic means as much as it relates to bodily organs.

The two major organs involved in the development of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs are the two glandular organs of the endocrine system – the pituitary and the adrenal glands (to be particular, the adrenal cortex). The pituitary is the parent gland that releases Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) to signal the adrenal cortex to release the stress hormone, cortisol.

Excess of this hormone is the basic cause of Cushing’s syndrome. Excessive levels of cortisol may be caused due to a problem, usually a tumor, with the pituitary or the adrenal gland. When the problem is caused due to a pituitary tumor, it is known as Cushing’s disease.

Regardless of the nature of these tumors, benign or malignant, the result is increase in production of cortisol. Dogs that have previously undergone corticosteroid therapy for allergies or immune diseases are also at a risk of developing symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome.

Cortisol has a strong physiological and chemical effect and acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agent. Large amounts of free circulating cortisol in the body suppress the dog’s immune system, exposing it to various bacterial infections.

Domestication, an increased focus on dog health and veterinarian medicine has led to a situation where pet dogs live longer. Selective breeding to produce individual dog breeds has also led to certain genetic diseases that were not very common before. The practical consequence of this is that dog owners have to deal will more dog diseases than ever before.

Apart from certain dog specific diseases, dogs suffer from practically all diseases experienced by humans. Like humans, dogs to can develop bacterial, fungal and viral infections, skin, orthopedic and eye diseases and tumors and cancers. To add to it all there are diseases associated with old age too. Cushing’s syndrome is one such disorder that is usually seen in older dogs.

Canine Cushing’s syndrome may be endogenous or exogenous. Endogenous Cushing’s is a condition where either of the two main endocrinal glands, the pituitary or the adrenal gland stimulate or produce excessive cortisol within the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone and elevated levels of the hormone depress immune and inflammatory responses. The primary cause of exogenous Cushing’s is the administration of steroid medication.

What is Cushing’s Disease?

Cushing’s disease is also known as hyperadrenocorticism and is characterized by the over-production of hormones from the adrenal glands. The extra high levels of these hormones in your pet’s body can cause varied and serious symptoms.

Function and definition of the adrenal glands

The adrenal glands are two, small bean-shaped structures situated above each of your pet’s two kidneys. They consist of two separate regions: an inner adrenal medulla surrounded by an outer adrenal cortex.

The adrenal glands release a wide variety of hormones. The medulla is responsible for producing epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline). These hormones control the body’s reaction to stress and affect blood pressure and heart rate. The adrenal cortex produces hormones such as cortisone and aldosterone which are necessary for balancing fluid and electrolytes (salt) in the body as well as regulating the use of dietary protein, fats and carbohydrates and controlling inflammation.

What are the symptoms of Cushing’s Disease?

High levels of corticosteroids in the body can cause a number of health problems in pets including:

* Increased thirst/drinking and urination
* Increased appetite
* Panting
* High blood pressure
* Loss of hair
* Calcified lumps in the skin
* Thinning skin and susceptibility to infections