This adrenal gland disorder, also known as Addison's disease, was first described in humans in 1855 by Thomas Addison (chief physician at a London hospital), after whom it was named. It causes adrenal insufficiency (also known as hypoadrenocorticism), which is the partial or total failure of hormone production in the adrenal cortex. It is much less common in dogs than adrenal hyperfunction (Cushing's disease), but can lead to life-threatening symptoms. It primarily affects middle-aged female dogs of large breeds.
In dogs, the adrenal glands are located at the front edge of the kidneys. They produce various hormones that perform important functions in the body. Primary adrenal insufficiency is triggered by a disorder of the immune system, which causes the body's own cells to destroy certain areas of the adrenal cortex. However, the cause of this autoimmune disease is unknown.
The more tissue is destroyed, the fewer hormones can be produced. In the case of Addison's disease, there is mainly a deficiency of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Glucocorticoids include the body's own cortisol, which stimulates appetite and regulates the immune system, among other things. Mineralocorticoids are responsible for the sodium/potassium balance and thus blood pressure. A deficiency of both hormones causes an imbalance in the mineral and water balance.
In very rare cases, NNR can also develop secondarily as a result of tumors, injuries, circulatory disorders, or infections. Metabolic diseases such as diabetes are also suspected of influencing the function of the adrenal cortex.
The lack of the body's own cortisol (glucocorticoid) and aldosterone (mineralocorticoid) can cause a wide variety of symptoms, some of which are very unspecific, meaning that the disease often remains undetected for years.
Affected dogs suffer from recurrent, sometimes bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. They often appear very tired or apathetic and have a variable appetite. Weight loss, muscle weakness, muscle tremors, increased thirst, increased urination, and heart problems may also occur.
The symptoms can escalate to what is known as an "Addisonian crisis." The affected dog then suddenly shows signs of total exhaustion, even collapse, a reduced heart rate, bloody diarrhea, severe pain, a drop in blood pressure, hypoglycemia, and symptoms of shock (pale mucous membranes, low body temperature, weakness). This situation is an absolute and life-threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Since the disease is relatively rare and does not always manifest itself through clear symptoms, it is easily overlooked. In practice, the veterinarian will first perform a general clinical examination. However, the results of this examination, in conjunction with the owner's preliminary report, can usually only provide indications of the disease.
A comprehensive blood test is essential in this case, as it can reveal clear changes indicative of Addison's disease, particularly in the electrolyte levels. A reliable method for confirming Addison's disease when suspected is a special hormone test known as the ACTH stimulation test. By administering a hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex (ACTH), the adrenal glands are stimulated to produce cortisol. This value is then measured in the blood and will be very high in a healthy dog, but low in an Addison's patient. Further X-ray or ultrasound examinations can be used to diagnose existing changes in the heart or lungs.
In the case of a dog with an acute Addison's crisis, your vet will perform intensive emergency and shock treatment to stabilize the dog's electrolyte and hormone balance as quickly as possible. The dog will need to be hospitalized for a few days and will receive special medication and infusions.
In the case of chronic Addison's disease, the missing hormones must be replaced, i.e., added externally in the form of medication. This requires lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
Since the adrenal cortex tissue cannot regenerate once it has been destroyed, the disease cannot be cured. However, dogs with primary NNR can regain a significant quality of life and lead a largely normal life with the help of lifelong hormone replacement therapy. Regular veterinary check-ups are important, however. If secondary NNR is present, the prognosis depends on the specific cause and possible treatment.
Due to the fact that the causes of the autoimmune reaction are still unknown, there is no effective way to prevent the disease. However, it is recommended that dogs with an increased risk, such as those with diabetes or thyroid problems, be seen by a veterinarian regularly and tested for Addison's disease if gastrointestinal or weakness symptoms occur.
Many riders get it at some point: tournament fever—the desire to compete and measure themselves against others who share the same passion. However, it's not quite as simple as just jumping in. In competitive sports, you have to meet a few requirements before you can embark on your adventure as a rider-horse team. Depending on the type of riding or driving, there are various rules and regulations that must be observed. Below you will find the most important information for classic English riding.
The question of finding the right horse is certainly on the minds of many seekers. It is difficult to say right away whether you, as a buyer, will develop a deep connection with a horse you have tried out. Friendship and love grow over time. However, giving it some thought beforehand will certainly help you find your perfect horse in the end.
Endoscopy is an imaging, minimally invasive procedure in which body cavities and hollow organs can be viewed and examined using an endoscope. Endoscopes are either rigid or flexible and have a light source and a camera at the front that transmits the image directly to a screen.
Imaging diagnostics refers to all diagnostic procedures that use diagnostic devices to generate two- or even three-dimensional images of the inside of the body. These images can be used to detect disease-related changes, among other things.
Having a horse as a partner is something very special. There are many different types of equestrian sports, so everyone can find something that fulfills them and that both humans and horses enjoy. We have listed some of the most well-known disciplines and terms for you below.
The air sacs of horses are part of the upper respiratory tract. They develop in foals as a mucous membrane protrusion on both sides of the Eustachian tube (the connection between the middle ear and the nasopharyngeal cavity), each with a capacity of approximately 300 ml. Air sacs are found exclusively in equines and some other odd-toed ungulates, making them a unique feature. There are various theories about the function of the air sacs. The most likely is that they serve to cool the brain. There is a connection between the horse's throat and the air sacs, which is why infections of the upper respiratory tract can also spread to the air sacs. The most important diseases of the air sacs are described below.
A very special friendship can develop between children and dogs. However, it is important for parents and dog owners to observe a few basic rules. And it is also important to remember that some dog-child pairs are simply not meant for each other, and this must be recognized responsibly. The basis for a partnership with a dog is always respectful and loving interaction—and training with clear rules for human-dog communication.
A horse stands in its stall with its head hanging down and a high fever. Other horses in the stable show similar symptoms. The veterinarians treating them suspect a viral infection and send blood samples to the laboratory. If a herpes virus infection is detected, this usually spells disaster for many horse owners and breeders. To contain the spread of this highly contagious infection, entire stables must be closed and competitions canceled, which can quickly lead to immense economic losses. But how do the animals become infected so suddenly?
Horse owners are probably more familiar with phlegmon under the colloquial term "shooter." It is a purulent inflammation of the connective tissue and lymph vessels of the subcutaneous tissue, which occurs primarily on the limbs and can lead to massive swelling and pain.
Hyperlipemia or hyperlipidemia syndrome is not a separate disease, but rather a disorder of fat metabolism that mainly occurs in ponies and donkeys. It primarily affects overweight ponies that suddenly start eating significantly less food.
Did you dream of galloping along the beach on horseback when you were a child? Day trips through the heath, maybe even a challenging week-long course with a renowned trainer – what a wonderful vacation with our four-legged friend. Especially since it's not always easy to find a suitable holiday replacement for your horse who will take care of your beloved animal in your absence the way you want them to. So why not take your faithful partner with you on vacation and make your dream of a horse vacation come true? To ensure that the adventure goes as smoothly as possible, you should make the necessary preparations.
Rabbits are very intelligent animals and are perfectly capable of following instructions or performing small exercises. If it doesn't work, it's usually due to a lack of patience or insufficient knowledge on the part of the humans. So, take heart! With loving perseverance, you're sure to succeed. Here are a few tips for successful training.
