Addison's Disease
I lost Reba to Addison's disease last Monday. She was not yet 5 years old and it was devastating. Addison's is very hard to diagnose properly, but I think it may be becoming more prevalent in bull terriers. I'd like to share the symptoms so you can point your vet in the right direction, if your bully shows any signs.
- Loss of appetite *
- Lethargy
- Walking with "hunched" back (abdominal pain)
- Vomitting
- Shaking
- Diarrhea, possibly bloody
- Excessive drinking or refusing to drink
- Weight loss
- Muscle weakness
As these symptoms can come and go, and not all affected dogs display all symptoms, Addison`s is considered very hard to diagnose.
Three weeks ago, Reba was a happy healthy almost 5 year old, crazy, hucklebutting fool. We ran out of her regular food and ended up switching it. She ate fine for a day or 2 and then starting eating just a tiny bit, or refusing it all. I figured she didn`t like the new food so we bought another kind. Same thing all over again. We went through 3 different brands that way. I thought she was just being fussy and spoiled but I started to cook for her. When she refused roast chicken, we went right to the vet. She was getting lethargic by now too. The vet did a routine exam, bloodwork, and xrays. Ruled out all obvious causes. No blockage, no temperature, no pyometra. Kidney values were slightly raised but vet said that was due to dehydration. She was given IV fluids and precautionary antibiotics. I brought her home, but by morning, Reba seemed even worse. Back to the vet for another round of IV and antibiotics. She ate!! Perked right up and almost ran out to the truck. I thought she was on the mend. Vet also sent home 2 days worth of an appetite stimulant. It helped, somewhat, if I handfed her crap canned food. Then she quit eating AND drinking completely. Within a day and a half, Reba couldn`t walk or even stand and she`d had bloody diarrhea sometime overnight. Her kidneys were pretty much shut down. It was too late to save her.
Please don`t let this happen to you. If the vets rules out a blockage, but your bully won`t eat, please ask for an Addison`s test!!
**Lack of appetite is key. Reba had no vomitting. No diarrhea until the last night. She did have abdominal pain, weakness and occasional shaking.
- Loss of appetite *
- Lethargy
- Walking with "hunched" back (abdominal pain)
- Vomitting
- Shaking
- Diarrhea, possibly bloody
- Excessive drinking or refusing to drink
- Weight loss
- Muscle weakness
As these symptoms can come and go, and not all affected dogs display all symptoms, Addison`s is considered very hard to diagnose.
Three weeks ago, Reba was a happy healthy almost 5 year old, crazy, hucklebutting fool. We ran out of her regular food and ended up switching it. She ate fine for a day or 2 and then starting eating just a tiny bit, or refusing it all. I figured she didn`t like the new food so we bought another kind. Same thing all over again. We went through 3 different brands that way. I thought she was just being fussy and spoiled but I started to cook for her. When she refused roast chicken, we went right to the vet. She was getting lethargic by now too. The vet did a routine exam, bloodwork, and xrays. Ruled out all obvious causes. No blockage, no temperature, no pyometra. Kidney values were slightly raised but vet said that was due to dehydration. She was given IV fluids and precautionary antibiotics. I brought her home, but by morning, Reba seemed even worse. Back to the vet for another round of IV and antibiotics. She ate!! Perked right up and almost ran out to the truck. I thought she was on the mend. Vet also sent home 2 days worth of an appetite stimulant. It helped, somewhat, if I handfed her crap canned food. Then she quit eating AND drinking completely. Within a day and a half, Reba couldn`t walk or even stand and she`d had bloody diarrhea sometime overnight. Her kidneys were pretty much shut down. It was too late to save her.
Please don`t let this happen to you. If the vets rules out a blockage, but your bully won`t eat, please ask for an Addison`s test!!
**Lack of appetite is key. Reba had no vomitting. No diarrhea until the last night. She did have abdominal pain, weakness and occasional shaking.
Reba.jpg
621 x 621 - 47K
Comments
Even during this sad time, you are honoring Reba by informing us all in hopes of helping others. We never know, it could be one of our bullies that are saved in remembrance of sweet and beautiful Reba. Rest in peace, lovely Reba.
Stress is often a leading cause for this disease although I'm sure it can be hereditary. Another reason why I am so adamant about maintaining healthy immune systems with my Bullies by providing them with a good daily supplement.
My heart breaks for you Rumour. I hate hearing about the loss of any Bull Terrier especially those that were well cared for and loved.
RIP Reba.
More on Addison's Disease:
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/addisons.aspx
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com