question: addison's disease

[Nomilynn]

Hi,

My parent's dog Cody has for a long time had bad arthritis and kidney problems. He has to have IV fluids every night, and takes vitamins everyday. He has to be on special food because of his kidney problems.

The vet seems to think he might have addison's disease. I've looked up info on it online, but I don't know that I'm convinced. However, I'm not a vet. Has anyone had experience with this condition? Any help would be appreciated.

Here is a picture of Cody :)

[Cinder & Smoke]

A *Way Cute* Pup! ;)

Take a peek at these sites re: Addison's disease:

SouthPaws Vet site (http://www.southpaws.com/news/99-1-addisons-disease.htm)

Columbia Animal Hospital site (http://www.cah.com/library/addison.html)

Or put "Addison's Disease" into
http://www.google.com and you'll get dozens of links.

Seems like the disease can be tested for AND treated.
Good Luck, Cody! ;)

[Logan]

Dixieland Dancer (Candy), might have some additional information too since I think this is the same problem that Blaze, Dixie's brother, is facing. Maybe she will see this and respond.

Naomi, I hope everything will be ok!! He is simply beautiful!!

[Dixieland Dancer]

Addison's can be tested for and is treatable but is very expensive (at least in the states) for the medications. It is like diabetes. You take the meds and you are ok. Refer to the links Phred suggested to understand more about the disease. Pup shouldn't have to get daily IV fluids though if it is Addisons and the pup starts the meds.

If I get more info I will post it. We are still learning about the disease in detail ourselves since Blaze is the first dog I have met that has the possibility to have it. I still haven't heard for sure what the diagnoses is since Kathi and Bob are on a Cruise. She was suppose to email me but I guess she must be having a hard time from the ship! :rolleyes:

[Nomilynn]

After looking through all the info I just don't see how Cody could have it. It sounds like the vet is basing his guess on only ONE symptom - lowered potassium. But Cody does not vomit, has no diareah, isn't weak, isn't dehydrated and peeing all the time, etc. so I don't know.. but thanks for the info! :)

[Dixieland Dancer]

Originally posted by Nomilynn
After looking through all the info I just don't see how Cody could have it. It sounds like the vet is basing his guess on only ONE symptom - lowered potassium. But Cody does not vomit, has no diareah, isn't weak, isn't dehydrated and peeing all the time, etc. so I don't know.. but thanks for the info! :)

Perhaps the daily IV fluids are masking all the other symptoms. Dogs who have Addisons do respond to IV fluids and do better when getting them. If Cody wasn't getting the fluids daily what would his symptoms be?

There are specific tests that can be done to determine Addisons. Has the vet performed them?

[Nomilynn]

When he wasn't getting the fluids he wouldn't eat and he was very lethargic. The vet did some tests, and at that time said it was related to kidney function.

My parents are trying to decide if the test is worth it. He's 14 almost 15, and he's not suffering or in pain of any kind, and the test is very expensive. They are just wondering if continuing with what they are doing would be fine, since it seems to be working :)

[Dixieland Dancer]

I did not realize he was a senior dog. Addisons is usually diagnosed between 4 and 7 years of age. Your vet knows best so if this treatment is working and he is pain free and it isn't too expensive I would stick with it!

[Nomilynn]

Originally posted by Dixieland Dancer
Addisons is usually diagnosed between 4 and 7 years of age.

That's another reason I didn't think this sounded right. When I talked to my mom, she kind of alluded that she felt like this vet had tired to convince them to do unnecessary tests before just to make money (on their cat). So I don't think she really trusts him, which is a bit unnerving also.

[Dixieland Dancer]

Can she find another vet and get a second opinion? If I didn't trust my vet I would find another one.

[Nomilynn]

I really wish she would, but it's the only vet in their small town. I think she should go to the animal hospital about 30 mins out of town. We went there to buy food one day because her vet ran out, and they were so busy - a good sign I guess! :)

[Aspen and Misty]

Is Cody a Sheltie? Maybe a Colie? Whatever he is he is sooo pretty!!!

Ash

sp: Sorry I know nothing about this so I can't answer your questions, I just had to tell you that he is soo pretty!

[Nomilynn]

Thanks!

Cody is a sheltie :)

[Nomilynn]

My parents and the vet have decided not to go through with addison's testing. Also, it seems more likely that Cody's health problems are only related to his kidney trouble, which he has had for a long time. He's on vitamin supplements and special food for that. Now they are going to keep up with his IV fluid and start him on a mild anti-inflamitory for his bad arthritis.

So we are glad he dind't have to have the addison's test, and for right now, Cody's very happy and comfortable :) Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. :D