Addison’s disease
Also known as hypoadrenocorticism is a condition in which a dog’s adrenal glands have been damaged and are not working as they should. Dogs with Addison’s disease have lower than normal levels of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids; hormones which are vital to keep a dog’s body functioning normally.
Adrenal glands
Two small glands located next to each of the kidneys; responsible for producing hormones that help control metabolism, blood pressure and fluid balance. Cortisol is one of the hormones released by the adrenal gland.
Aldosterone
Is a steroid hormone responsible for regulating the body’s blood pressure and is necessary for regulation of salt and water in the body.
Cortisol
A hormone produced by the adrenal gland, the body’s natural stress fighting and anti-inflammatory hormone.
Desoxycortone pivalate (DOCP)
Desoxycortone pivalate is a synthetically produced steroid hormone very similar to the natural hormone aldosterone. It works in the same way as aldosterone to retain sufficient water in the body (by retaining sodium and eliminating potassium).
Glucocorticoids
Also known as steroids, these are a group of hormones released from adrenal glands that affect the body’s metabolism. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid.
Hormone
Hormones act as chemical messengers to body organs, regulating certain body processes.
Hypoadrenocorticism
Hypoadrenocorticism, more commonly known as Addison’s disease is a condition in which a dog’s adrenal glands have been damaged and are not working as they should. Dogs have lower than normal levels of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids; hormones which are vital to keep a dog’s body functioning normally.
Mineralocorticoid
Aldosterone, the main mineralocorticoid, is necessary for regulation of salt and water in the body.
Zycortal
Zycortal is a prolonged release suspension used as replacement therapy for mineralocorticoid deficiency in dogs with Addison’s disease and is the only registered veterinary product in Europe for the treatment of Addison’s disease in dogs.
