Addison’s Disease Monitoring

Addison’s disease occurs in dogs when their adrenal glands no longer produce sufficient quantities of two important groups of chemicals, namely glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. While the disease is uncommon in dogs, it can have serious consequences if proper treatment is not provided.

Part of this treatment involves careful monitoring of the response to medications and adjusting doses if needed.

Monitoring of Addison’s disease involves testing the levels of several biochemistries (Urea and Creatinine) and electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium and Chloride) in the blood. If you have received a reminder that your pet requires Addison’s Disease monitoring then please follow these directions:

• Call us on 9789 3444 or use our online booking system to make an appointment. Your pet will only need to come in for a normal consultation time (i.e. not stay for the day) to allow the blood to be collected. The samples will be run on our in-house laboratory machines and so results will be available the same day.
• Give your pet their medication as normal. It does not matter what time the samples are taken in relation to when the medication is given.
• Please fast your pet for at least 5 hours prior to the visit.
• Please check you have adequate supplies of medications at home and let us know at the time of making the appointment if you need more medication.