what are the symptoms of Addisons disease in a dog (Westie)?

Question

My Westie is 2 yrs old and her skin is black, is that normal or a sign of Addisons?

Answer 1

Westies can have pink skin, or skin with a black pigment. http://www.okwestierescue.com/What_is_a_Westie2.htm

Most dogs with Addison's disease initially have gastrointestinal disturbances like vomiting. Lethargy it also a common early sign. Poor appetite can occur as well. These are pretty vague signs and it is extremely easy to miss this disease. More severe signs occur when a dog with hypoadrenocorticism is stressed or when potassium levels get high enough to interfere with heart function. Dogs with this problem will sometimes suffer severe shock symptoms when stressed, which can lead to a rapid death. When potassium levels get high heart arrythmias occur or even heart stoppage which also is fatal. In some cases, especially secondary Addison's disease, there are no detectable electrolyte changes.

This disease can be picked up by changes in the ratio between sodium or potassium by accident at times. When this happens it is still extremely important to treat for it. It is confirmed by an ACTH response test -- administration of this hormone should stimulate production of adrenal hormones. If this does not occur then hypoadrenocorticism is present. In cases in which the electrolyte levels are normal this is the only test for the problem and it will be missed unless it is looked for specifically. At times this disease can be hard to differentiate from renal failure because the symptoms and even the bloodwork can be similar ---- so the ACTH response test may be necessary to differentiate them.
http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/deaddisons.html

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Answer 3

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RE:
what are the symptoms of Addisons disease in a dog (Westie)?
My Westie is 2 yrs old and her skin is black, is that normal or a sign of Addisons?

Answer 4

Well It CAN cause incresaed pigmentation and coat changes, but this is not a primary smptom. More common symptoms are won't eat, vomiting, diareah, excess drinking & peeing, hind end weakness, collapse, rapid weight loss. On a vet exam - dehdration, slow heat rate, low temperature, small heat- bloodwork looks JUST like kidney failure. None of these symptons are exclusive of addisons, none appear in all AD dogs, and few dogs show all symptoms. the only sure fire way to know is an ACTH stimulation test- which is expensive & only diagnosies addisons Want to know why about 2/3 of addison's dogs are dignosed by the second or third VET (not vet visit - vet)?
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Answer 5

The symptoms of Addison’s disease can be vague. More importantly, they are similar to the symptoms of many different problems. Initially, the dog may be listless, or seem depressed. Many dogs are described as just seeming off, or losing the normal sparkle in their eye. Lack of appetite is a good indicator. Other symptoms include gastro-intestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea. Pain in the hindquarters, or generalized muscle weakness such as a dog that can’t jump onto the bed or couch as he has done in the past is not uncommon. Shivering or muscle tremors may also be present. The most important thing to remember is that you know your dog better than anyone.

If something seems amiss, have it checked out by a vet.

Answer 6

Jeez, not that I remember. I had an Addison's dog. She was an American Eskimo cross. She lived with the disease for over a year, and her skin never changed color. What *did* happen was she stopped eating. She refused to eat. I had to literally shove food down her throat while the vets tried to figure out what was going on with her. Two weeks later, I gave up on all of those vets and took her to a specialist half the state away. By then, she was a skeleton. She was in the ER on fluids and meds for three days before I could take her home and try to feed her.

That's what Addison's did to my dog... Not a nice thing.

Answer 7

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to be honest since your dog only may have it i think you should wait for test results before you change its diets and so on. i cant understand why you vet has not given you any information and made sure you know exactly what you are looking at. before i continue i am not a vet, but i know a little about addisons disease, but in any case consult with your vet. ok symptoms in a dog are general (hence why sometimes addisons is misdiagnosed) they include sleepiness, diarrhea sweating and excessive panting. if it is addisons then there will be some issue with your dogs adrenal gland, i cant say for sure what but that's that. as for diet, check with your vet but take care on the level of potassium your dogs has. good luck

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