Hypoadrenocorticism, often called Addison’s disease, is a condition where your dog’s adrenal glands don’t produce enough of the essential hormones they need. These glands, located near the kidneys, are responsible for making hormones like cortisol and aldosterone, which help regulate various bodily functions like:
- Energy levels
- Blood sugar balance
- Electrolyte (mineral) levels
- Response to stress
When these hormones are lacking, it can throw your dog’s system out of whack, causing various signs and symptoms.
Hypoadrenocorticism can be found naturally in dogs and cats. It’s also seen when Cushing’s disease is over-treated, or when high-dose steroids are stopped suddenly.
Synonyms:
Addison's disease