Aldosterone is involved in the regulation of fluids and electrolytes in the body, and cortisol, a stress hormone, is involved in the regulation of the body’s sugar levels, and metabolism to provide fuel for the body when the body needs it urgently. Usually, there is a deficiency in cortisol as well as in aldosterone. In the case of Addison’s disease, the adrenal glands are not producing enough hormones. Addison’s DiseaseĪddison’s disease is much less commonly diagnosed. This does require careful monitoring of patient and bloods to make sure we are not under- or overdosing.

In the case of Pituitary-Dependent Cushing’s disease, treatment with medications to suppress the adrenal glands is the treatment of choice. Otherwise, medical management is possible as well, the best choice for the patient needs to be discussed between vet and client.

In the case of an adrenal tumour, referral to a specialist centre can be arranged to assess if surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland is an option. It is important to properly diagnose the Cushing’s Disease, before starting treatments. In this case, one adrenal gland becomes out of control, starts overproducing cortisol and the other adrenal gland can even shrink in response. This is the most common cause of Cushing’s.Ģ. In this case, the pituitary gland in the brain overproduces a hormone (called ACTH) which overstimulates both adrenal glands into overproduction of cortisol. The two main causes for the development of Cushing’s Disease are:ġ. These blood tests may prompt us to follow up with further tests (blood and/or imaging tests such as abdominal ultrasound) to confirm the diagnosis. Of course, other conditions may also present with some of these symptoms, so the first step in the diagnosis is for the vet to do a full physical examination, followed by screening blood and urine tests. Often the symptoms develop slowly over time, and sometimes we assume our pet is “just getting old”. The symptoms can be varied per patient, but often include drinking and urinating excessively, some dogs may have trouble holding on at night! Also, dogs may be hungrier, more lethargic, panting more, unable to exercise, as usual, development of a “potbelly”, skin problems such as thin skin, skin infections, ratty tail etc. Cushing’s DiseaseĬushing’s disease is the more common condition.

This disease is called hypoadrenocorticism, also known as Addison’s Disease. The opposite is also possible, where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. Adrenal glands are hormone-producing organs, situated in front of the left and right kidneys they are tiny but very important.ĭogs can suffer if the glands overproduce cortisol, this is called hyperadrenocorticism, also known as Cushing’s Disease.

Overactive adrenal system