helpfulhintsforrvns: HYPOADRENOCORTICISM - Addison’s Disease Addison’s disease is caused

helpfulhintsforrvns:

HYPOADRENOCORTICISM - Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease is caused when the adrenal glands fail to produce an adequate quality of natural steroid. There are two reasons this condition can occur: 

1. Immune Destruction of the Adrenal Gland
2. Consequence of long term Cushing’s treatment

Patients often present in collapse as a result of:

• Hyponatraemia (Low Sodium)
• Hyperkalaemia (High Potassium) *LIFE THREATENING*
• Dehydration

CLINICAL SIGNS:

Clinical signs often wax and wane and are signs which can be associated with may different conditions therefore as addison’s is reasonably uncommon it is often overlooked, until the patient presents in a addisonian crisis.

• Anorexia
• Vomiting
• Haemorrhagic Diahorrea
• Hypotension
• Weakness
• Bradycardia
• Collapse

DIAGNOSIS:

1. Haematology and Biochemistry (To access the sodium:potassium ratio)
2. ACTH Stimulation Test
3. Echocardiogram

TREATMENT:

When presented as a emergency, the first port of call is to provide intravenous fluid therapy at shock rates to reduce the levels of Potassium in the body and rehydrate the patient. Intravenous Steroids should be also be administered.

In a stable patient Glucocorticoids (Prednisolone) and Mineralocorticoids (Fludrocortisone Acetate) are prescribed. Regular blood testing is recommended to observe the sodium:potassium ratio.

NURSING CARE:

• Monitor Vital Signs (Temperature is important if the animal is in crisis)
• Monitor IVFT
• Encourage the Patient to eat
• Ensure Water is freely available
• Provide frequent opportunities to urinate/defecate.