This happens when your dog's adrenal glands fail to produce the hormones needed to regulate sodium levels in the dog's blood. With a lack of these hormones, sodium levels decline causing an increase potassium and lower blood pressure. The problem is that the higher levels of potassium stop the heart from beating faster which it would naturally do to make up for the loss of blood pressure. With a lower heart rate and lower blood pressure your dog could go into shock (called Addison’s crisis). This could be fatal. There are three types of Addison's Disease in dogs.

• Primary. When adrenal glands When the adrenal glands fail to produce both mineralcorteriods and glucococosteriods. Requires the replacement therapy of mineralocortioids.

• Atypical. When there is immune system related damage to the adrenal glands. Without treatment can become primary Addison's. Requires replacement therapy of glucocorticoids.

• Secondary. When the pituitary gland does not secrete ACTH, a hormone necessary to stimulate the adrenal glands. Requires replacement therapy of glucocorticoids.

Symptoms of Addison's disease in dogs are the appearance of weakness, and the dog seems overly lethargic. Diarrhea and vomiting are also common with Addison's. Other symptoms are:

• Reduced appetite

• Whole body tremors

• Muscle weakness and pain in the hind quarters. Sometimes the dog will just collapse for no apparent reason. This is a strong sign of Addison's disease.

This IS a treatable illness. Your dog can go on hormone replacement therapy. You MUST take your dog to the Veterinarian if you suspect Addison's disease. There is no home remedies that are effective in treatment.

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