Endocrine Disorders

If your dog has been diagnosed with Addison’s disease — the medical term is hypoadrenocorticism, also known as adrenal insufficiency — you may have noticed the condition is something of a diagnostic journey. Addison’s is notoriously easy to miss because its symptoms (lethargy, vomiting, poor appetite, shaking) overlap with dozens of other conditions. Once diagnosed, the good news is that most dogs respond extremely well to treatment and go on to live full, normal lives. ...

Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders in dogs — and one of the most under-recognised by owners. If your dog is gaining weight despite normal food intake, seems chronically lethargic, keeps getting skin or coat problems, or feels cold all the time, an underactive thyroid may be the cause. Diet won’t cure hypothyroidism, but it plays a meaningful supporting role alongside the medication that will. What is hypothyroidism? The thyroid gland, a small structure in the neck, produces two hormones — thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) — that regulate the metabolic rate of virtually every cell in the body. When the thyroid underproduces these hormones, metabolism slows across the board. ...

If your dog has been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease — technically known as hyperadrenocorticism — you are probably grappling with a set of symptoms that can feel overwhelming: a pot-bellied appearance, relentless hunger, thinning skin, excessive thirst and urination, and gradual muscle loss. Medication is the cornerstone of Cushing’s management, but the right diet can help your dog feel better, maintain a healthier weight, and reduce the risk of secondary complications. ...