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Hypoaldosteronism causes low sodium (hyponatremia), high potassium (hyperkalemia), and metabolic acidosis, a condition in which the body produces excess acid.These conditions are responsible for the symptoms of hypoaldosteronism, which include muscle weakness, nausea, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and abnormal blood pressure.
Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones.The adrenal glands—also referred to as the adrenal cortex—normally secrete glucocorticoids (primarily cortisol), mineralocorticoids (primarily aldosterone), and androgens.
Vague symptoms, which wax and wane, can cause delay in recognition of the presence of the disease. [55] Female dogs appear more affected than male dogs, though this may not be the case in all breeds. [55] [56] The disease is most often diagnosed in dogs that are young to middle-aged, but it can occur at any age from 4 months to 14 years. [55]
Normal dogs generally have post stimulation cortisol levels > 10 ug/dl. Post stimulation levels < 2 ug/dl is considered diagnostic and most Addison's patients are < 1 ug/dl. The ACTH stimulation test does not distinguish between primary and secondary hypoadrenocorticism, or adrenocortical destruction caused by mitotane overdose.
An ACTH stimulation test for aldosterone can help in determining the cause of hypoaldosteronism, with a low aldosterone response indicating a primary hypoaldosteronism of the adrenals, while a large response indicating a secondary hypoaldosteronism.
The type of issue you have and the degree to which it affects your body's hormone levels determine the symptoms. [2] The adrenal gland produces hormones that affects growth, development and stress, and also helps to regulate kidney function. There are two parts of the adrenal glands, the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla.
Disadvantages of mitotane as a treatment include the side effects and the requirement for blood test monitoring. Issues can arise when too much of the adrenal cortex becomes eroded. Approximately 30% of dogs will experience a reaction in response to treatment with mitotane; prednisone may be used as an antidote. In the event of a reaction ...
Pseudohypoaldosteronism Type 1; In pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1, aldosterone is elevated (hyperaldosteronism), but because the body fails to respond to it, it appears similar to hypoaldosteronism.