Pet Disease Information
We have provided some key information below for owners with a pet who have one of the following diseases: Addisons Disease, Cushings Disease, Diabetes, and Thyroid Disorder.
Addisons Disease
Addisons Disease
Addisons disease (Hypoadrenocorticism), is caused by a decrease in the hormone production from the outer cortex of the adrenal gland.
Signs/Symptoms
- Increased water intake
- Increased urination
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Vomiting and diarrhea
Management
Addisons disease is managed with monthly Percorten or Zycortal injections given subcutaneously (under the skin) at home. Another method for management is oral prednisone. Checking bloodwork every 3 months is recommended. Bloodwork should be checked every 3-6 months per your DVM. ACTH stimulation testing should be checked annually.
Key Points
An ACTH stimulation blood test is usually used to diagnose this disease.
Cushings Disease: What Is It?
Cushings disease (Hyperadrenocorticism), is where the adrenal glands or pituitary glands overproduce specific hormones in the body such as ACTH and Cortisol.
Signs/Symptoms
- Increased appetite
- Increased water intake
- Increased urination
- Lethargy
- Poor hair coat, hair loss
- Pot belly appearance
Management
Cushings is managed at home with oral medications such as Trilostane (Vetoryl) or Mitotane (Lysodren) are the most common. Testing such as ACTH and LDDST can be done to both detect the disease and determine the type. Recheck bloodwork every 3-6 months to check levels. A full bloodwork panel should also be performed annually to ensure other organs are not being effected.
Key Points
Make sure to bring your pet in 4-6hrs AFTER administering the medication at home if we are doing an ACTH test in the clinic. PLEASE BRING THE PATIENT IN FASTED. The ACTH testing requires 2 hours to be performed in the hospital. If we are doing a LDDST you will need to schedule your pet in the morning for sampling purposes, this test requires 8 hours to be performed in the hospital. The LDDST test is specifically designed to diagnose the disease not for monitoring it.
Diabetes
Diabetes
Diabetes is an abnormal increase in blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production & the body’s inability to respond to insulin.
Signs/Symptoms
- Increased urination
- Increased water intake
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite despite weight loss
- Cataracts
Management
Managed at home with subcutaneous (under the skin) insulin injections. Monitored with the Free Style libre application to check blood glucose levels or blood glucose curves in the hospital. Annual bloodwork should be performed to ensure other organs are not being effected.
Dogs
- Controlled with insulin
- High fiber diet
- Maintain proper body condition
Cats
- Controlled with insulin
- High protein and low carb diet
- Maintain proper body condition
Key Points
Never give the insulin if your pet has not eaten. Blood glucose levels can be monitored at home with the free Style libre application. When dropping your pet off for a glucose curve with your veterinarian, always make sure your pet has eaten and bring the insulin with you to the hospital so we can administer it. Always triple check your insulin dose and timing provided by your veterinarian to avoid insulin overdose or under dose.
Key Points
Never give the insulin if your pet has not eaten. Blood glucose levels can be monitored at home with the free Style libre application. When dropping your pet off for a glucose curve with your veterinarian, always make sure your pet has eaten and bring the insulin with you to the hospital so we can administer it. Always triple check your insulin dose and timing provided by your veterinarian to avoid insulin overdose or under dose.
Thyroid Disorder
What is a Thyroid Disorder?
Thyroid disorder is where there is an increase or decrease in the thyroid production hormone that affects the metabolic rate of the pet.
Signs/Symptoms
Dogs
- Typically get hypothyroidism
- Lethargy
- Weight gain/obesity despite no increase in appetite
- Exercise intolerance
- Hair loss
Cats
- Typically get hyperthyroidism
- Weight loss despite increase in appetite
- Increased water intake
- Increased urination
- Unkempt hair coat
Management
Treatments include oral medication given at home such as thyroxine and levothyroxine for dogs. Cats can receive an oral medication called methimazole (Felimazole) or radioactive iodine treatments at a specialty hospital. Thyroid levels should be checked every 6 months and a full bloodwork panel should also be performed annually to ensure other organs are not being effected.
Key Points
Make sure to bring your pet in 4-6hrs AFTER administering the medication at home prior to any follow up bloodwork. It is also best to fast your pet for proper blood sampling.