Many pet owners may have heard of a condition called Addison’s disease. This disease all begins with the two hormones,mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids, that the adrenal glands, which are located near the kidneys,normally produce. Both of these hormones are critical to healthy functioning of the body, and an abnormal increase or decrease of either of these hormones can lead to serious health problems if not addressed in time. A deficient production of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids characterizesAddison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism. Pet owners should be aware of the symptoms and signs in order to catch the disease promptly to begin a treatment plan for their pet with the veterinarian.

So what are the symptoms or signs pet owners should look for in their pets?Addison’s disease is a bit tricky to distinguish due to the come and gooccurrences of symptoms. This disease affects pets in different ways and with a variety of different symptoms. Pets tend to feel very ill for a period of time and then good later on. High stress situations seem to bring on a wave of symptoms, such as travel or boarding situations. During such situations, pets may experience belly pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, depression and other unpleasant symptoms of the illness.

Moreover, Addison’s disease might be suspected when a pet deviates from its normal activities or routine for no apparent reason.Owners should pay attention to any abnormal behavior in their particular pet. In other words, if a pet loves to run up and down the stairs everyday but has shown no interest in doing so for the past week, this could be a possible sign. In this case, the pain and muscle weakness due to Addison’s could be contributing to the dog’s discomfort. The symptoms of Addison’s usually become more severe and more frequent over time. These symptoms include weakness, lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, regurgitation, bradycardia or low heart rate, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, poor skin and coat condition,polydipsia or increase intake of fluid, polyuria or increase in urination, shaking, trembling and shivering, shock, seizures, collapse, coma, and can even lead to death.