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Adrenal glands in dogs are two small organs, one located on each kidney, that play important roles in a dog's overall health. These glands are responsible for producing three hormones, cortisol, aldosterone and epinephrine (adrenaline). Any abnormality with the adrenal glands or the production of these hormones can lead to different types of diseases.

ADDISON'S DISEASE

Addison' disease can affect a dog in three different ways. Primary and atypical Addison's disease are believed to be immune mediated and affects the salt and potassium balances in a dog's body. Secondary Addison's is caused from the lack of the pituitary gland producing adrenocorticotropic (ATCH) hormone which is needed to stimulate the adrenal glands.

The symptoms of Addison's disease can often be confused with other diseases thus many dogs being misdiagnosed. Symptoms can include vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, depression, tremors, weakness of the muscles, lack of energy and exhibiting pain in the hind legs.

To have a definitive result as to whether a dog is suffering from Addison's disease, a veterinarian can perform an ACTH test to test if the adrenal glands are producing hormones correctly. Medications are available for dogs with Addison's disease. There are no cures and dogs diagnosed with Addison's will require medications and full owner support for the rest of the dog's life.

CUSHING'S DISEASE

Sometimes referred to as hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing's disease is the opposite of Addison's disease. When the adrenal glands over-produce hormones, the excess cortisones can enlarge the liver. Dogs with Cushing's may appear to have a "pot bell" which is caused from the relaxing of the stomach muscles and the over-grown liver.

Older, female dogs between the ages of 8 and 12 are more susceptible to Cushing's disease. Symptoms can also include excessive thirst, hunger and urination, thinning of the skin and slow hair growth.

A veterinarian can perform blood tests to diagnose Cushing's disease. A veterinarian will also be able to test if the cause is within the pituitary or adrenal glands. Most cases of Cushing's are caused by a tumor that has formed in the pituitary gland while a lower number of cases can be caused by a tumor found in the adrenal gland.

Adrenal gland tumors are normally removed surgically. Pituitary gland tumors are most effectively treated with medications. Removing of a tumor in the pituitary gland can be quite difficult since this gland is located in the center of the brain.

Adrenal gland diseases do not have to mean a death sentence for a dog. With proper treatment and care, years can be added on to a dog's life. Without treatment, the diseases can lead to other more serious complications such as heart and kidney failure which can result in the death of the dog.

References:

http://www.mycu tedogs.com/dog-disease/Treatme nt-For-Adrenal-Gland-Cancer-In -Dogs.html

http://www.addisondo gs.com/addisons/whatis.html

htt p://www.2ndchance.info/cushing s.htm

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