Addison's disease is one of the weirder and more unique problems that come along with Vizslas.
The symptoms of Addison's disease are normally felt by humans, but surprisingly it can attack dogs, too. The Vizsla rarely gets it, but it is not immune to it, either. The disease basically consists of the adrenal glands failing to produce particular hormones. These hormones regulate electrolytes and sodium in the body, in the kidneys specifically. And the amounts of water are absorbed and eliminated according to these glands.
Cortisol is one of the hormones also produced by the adrenals and it regulates the Vizsla's reaction to stress. This hormone's levels when a dog is stressed, physically or mentally. The signs of Addison's disease are not always clear, thus, thus only veterinarian run lab tests can truly diagnose the illness in a dog. Low levels of sodium by high levels of potassium are oftentimes indicators of the presence of Addison's.
Owners may observe a progression or worsening in unrelenting symptoms of a mysterious illness in a Vizsla who is suffering form Addison's. The lowering of cortisol levels produce ill-effects on the tissues in the dog's body. The animal loses his ability to manage stress and will suffer from a loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and subsequent weight loss. He could become overly tired and sluggish, not wanting to lay or hunt the way he used to. Glucose levels lower, too, which causes shock and dehydration, among other things.
The good thing is that most dogs who may suffer form the disease respond very well to drug treatment. Most of the medications used to treat Addison's in dogs will make the anima extremely thirsty and force him to urinate constantly. So as to avoid the dehydration, something that can be caused by the illness as well as possibly by the medication, a dog owner must provide clean drinking water to the dog patient regularly.
Unlike how it is in so many dog illnesses cases, this is curable. If the disease has progressed considerably, then the Vizsla may have to be placed on intravenous fluids to stabilize his vitals. The most common symptoms of Addison's in humans include vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, headache and sweating. The muscle weakness, and weight loss are the same as would be experienced by a dog counterpart. Changes in mood and personality as well as pains in the joint and muscle can also be said to afflict both a dog and human sufferer of Addison's.
It is important to be aware of a disease like this because its symptoms seem innocent or commonplace, when they belie something more serious. No dog, Vizsla or otherwise, can tell her/his owner that he is pain. That is why owning a dog is such a responsibility and one has to be vigilant in maintaining a pet's health.
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