[Smay4]

I joined this forum today to get some advice about my do - a 90-pound, 3 year old golden retriever named Jack. He is the light of my life. He has Addison's disease. We have been giving his daily pills and monthly shots, which brought him back from an Addison's crash and keeps him going. However, I see signs that he still feels sick: occasional nausea and vomiting throughout the month, short play periods, never much running, sleeping a lot, etc. He has also developed a frightening tendency to suddenly get agressive with other animals. Three weeks ago, he attached a small dog that was visiting, leaving puncture marks in its head and neck. He has attacked our cats. He went after two dogs two weeks ago, though I managed to control the situation.

I did talk to his vet, who believe his agressiveness is due to pain.

I am a complete emotional mess. I love Jack so much and he is so wonderful to have around most of the time - he's really a sweet, loving dog with these momentary fits. But, I wonder now if I am simply extending a life of pain and illness. I think I could work with it if there was a pattern to this agression - such as the last 3 days when his shot is due or just after he gets his shot. But, we are halfway to his shot and the nausea and attacks have been consistent. He attacked just before and just after his last shot. He vomited just this weekend. And he has not been completely himself (pre-addisons self) in months. Though he is so much better that I love to watch him play.

I also wonder if I am wrongly exposing other animals to potential danger. I have started thinking that it might be best for all to let him go. I don't want that. But, how could I live with myself if he seriously hurts someone?

I am having trouble deciding on the right solution here. How do I balance the fact that he is well enough to enjoy life, but not well enough to be energetic and safe for the rest of our pets.

I'm hoping that somebody can shed some light on the situation - maybe there are alternative treatments that can help or a line that can't be crossed and will help me set that boundary. I guess I just want to hear from other dog lovers who can provide some perspective.

[cigwyllt]

What a horrible situation. I have no experience of dogs with Addisons so I don't know anything about the disease but it does make sense that pain would make him aggressive. Three is so young, you should be looking to enjoy another ten years with him without this illness. I have no idea what to suggest and have no idea what I would do in your situation.

You ask if there is a line that can not be crossed - I don't know if any of us can ever make a judgement, especially not for our own dogs, and I am sure that in your position even if my dog were to bite me I would be making excuses and looking for a reason to keep the dog rather than let it go. I think I would act very selfishly and want the dog for my sake rather than because he still had a good quality of life.

Perhaps you could have another talk with your vet who will have more idea about how the illness will progress?

[CorkyMax]

Sorry to hear of your problem. I just had to have my 12 year old Golden/Cocker mix put down because of heart failure. I don't know if you have researched about Addison's Disease or not--There is a lot of info on the net. If you put--dogs/Addison's Disease in your browser--It brings up many sites. I did not go into only the 1st site listed (It is getting late here). Here is the 1st site and it mentions a support group and also alternative meds: AddisonDogs | What Is Addison's Disease

[B][COLOR="seagreen"]Maybe you should discuss other meds, etc with your vet or go to another vet for different options. Bone up on info first so you are knowledgeable enough to know what to ask and talk about. What meds are you using now?---Sounds like there are dif. meds for the different type of Addison's from what I read in that link I gave you!

And I hope you are not giving Rimadyl for pain, or Proin for incontinence!! If you are--Please read these 2 threads in this forum: Please Do not Give Rimadyl (carprofen)--CAN KILL

Is your dog on PROIN? READ THIS!

These are very long important threads but hope you will take the time to read them through!

[Todd]

I agree with Corky/Max. Being that the dog is only 3 years old I would be looking for alternative meds for you dog in order to enjoy what should be another 10 quality years of life. Do your research and look into alternative therapy which could help tremendously. In the meantime I would keep your pup away from other animals to eliminate attacks caused by pain until the situation is under control, which is the number one priority now.

Here are a few great links...

AddisonDogs

Addison's Disease In Dogs - Guide On Canine Addison's Disease - Dog Addisons Disease Information

Here is some info I have compiled from the net...

"It is the common name for hypoadrenocorticism, or adrenal insufficiency. It is a disease with symptoms that are common in many other ailments, making diagnosis difficult and sometimes a process of elimination. But once Addison's is correctly diagnosed, a properly treated dog can live a normal active life.

The adrenal, one on each kidney, is made up of two layers, the cortex and the medulla. The outer area, or cortex, secretes corticosteriod hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone. The medulla, part of the sympathetic nervous system, secretes epinephrine (adrenaline), which is generally not affected by Addison's.

There are three forms of Addison's disease: primary, secondary and atypical. Primary and atypical Addison's are usually the result of immune mediated damage to the glands. Secondary hypoadrenocorticism is from failure of the pituitary to stimulate the adrenals with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It is important for you to know which type of Addison's disease your dog is being treated for."

Again as a reinforcement there r 3 types...

"Primary – When the adrenal glands fail to produce both mineralcorteriods and glucococosteriods. Requires the replacement therapy of mineralocortioids.

Atypical – When there is immune system related damage to the adrenal glands. Without treatment can become primary Addisons. Requires replacement therapy of glucocorticoids.

Secondary – When the pituitary gland does not secrete ACTH, a hormone necessary to stimulate the adrenal glands. Requires replacement therapy of glucocorticoids."

What type does your dog have? If unsure ask the vet.

Here are some natural/herbal substances you can try...

"Licorice – This herb interacts and prolongs the effectiveness of corticosterods, the very substance Addison's disease dog need. It has an ACTH-like action on the adrenal cortex, increasing the production of glucose and mineralocorticoids

Milk Thistle – Supports the immune system as an antioxidant.

Slippery Elm – Used as a natural treatment for diarrhea

Ginger – Thought to strengthen steroid production

Garlic – Helps strengthen the heart and reduces blood pressure

Valerian – Beneficial effect on the heart and blood pressure

Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) - helps the liver, kidneys and adrenal glands. Promotes adrenal function.

Arctium laps (Burdock) - detoxifies tissues

Astragalus membranaceous (Huang Qi) - helps to restore balance to the adrenal glands.

Arsenicum (30C) - helps with normal urination and thirst levels."

"While natural remedies cannot regenerate the adrenal glands, proper use of natural supplements and herbs can dramatically slow down the progression of Addisons disease in dogs. The key is to provide suitable nutrients to maintain a healthy body and a strong immune system.

Herbs

Nutritious herbs (especially those rich in beneficial minerals and vitamins for the proper functioning of the adrenals) such as dandelion, parsley, spirulina (blue-green algae) and nettle can be fed to a dog with symptoms of Addison's disease.

Immune-boosting herbs such as garlic, echinacea, and astragalus are also essential to strengthen the dog's immunity.

Natural Supplements

Dogs with Addison's disease can also benefit from essential fatty acids as well as antioxidants such as vitamins C, E and A."

Types of herb

Many herbs have been shown to be beneficial for adrenal function, including adrenal support herbs like licorice and borage, Green tea, and ginseng, which can help to reduce stress—an important part of treatment for Addison’s disease.

Borage oil, primrose oi, and black currant oil

These oils are all natural sources of Gammalinolenic acid, which promotes healthy skin and, according to RM Clemmons, DVM, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Neurology & Neurosurgery in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Florida, who states that the oils may also be good for autoimmune disorders. Dr. Clemmons recommends adding 500mg of oil once a day for small/medium breeds and twice a day for larger breeds, noting that it could take six to eight weeks to notice a difference.

Ginkgo leaves

Ginkgo leaf extracts increase blood flow to the brain. The cause of secondary Addison’s disease is a malfunctioning pituitary gland. Ginkgo is not toxic to dogs. Dr. Clemmons recommends one capsule two times a day.

American Ginseng According to Shannon Wikinson, writing in Whole Dog Journal, ginseng is “an adaptogenic herb that helps the body adapt to environmental and emotional stressors.â€� Ginseng works on the pituitary and adrenal glands, increasing resistance to stress. Dr. Clemmons recommends that male dogs over the age of 6-years-old be given American ginseng (not Oriental), in the amount of one capsule daily, and females over six years old should receive one or two capsules of Dong quai, a plant in the carrot family that has been called the “female ginseng”, instead of American Ginseng. Neither of these supplements is recommended for use in young dogs under the age of 6-years-old (male) or 5-years-old (female).

Flower essences

Dr. Ivin, a Chinese medicine practitioner (as quoted by Wilkinson), uses flower essences to reduce stress and limit the need for additional glucocorticoids.

Green Tea

Addison’s dogs often have low energy levels. One cup of green tea a day (or one single capsule) should be added to food, according to Dr. Clemmons. As well as increasing energy, Dr. Clemmons calls it a “good general tonic.”

Licorice

A team of researchers in New Zealand studied the effects of a licorice (liquorice) supplement in one dog taking oral fludrocortisone acetate (Florinef). Despite receiving Florinef, the 4-year-old neutered male suffered from persistent hyperkalemia (high amounts of potassium in the bloodstream). After receiving licorice from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, which contains glycyrrhizinic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid, both of which increase mineralocorticoid activity, the dog’s potassium levels returned to normal. More research is underway: if you live in New Zealand, contact Richard Squires or Liz Norman at Massey University for details of the trial."

As Corky/Max suggested do not use the pain meds she mantioned. There are many other methods out there regarding pain management. Here are some compiled from the net...

You can try accupuncture or accupressure.

Magnetic therapy.

"There are quite a few effective herbal pain remedies. Below is a list of herbs that can be used to relieve dog pain.

Feverfew

Feverfew is anti-inflammatory and is one of the most commonly used herbal pain remedies for migraine and arthritis sufferers. This herb is a useful alternative to aspirin for cats (aspirin is toxic to cats).
To use feverfew as a pain remedy, use a tincture or tea. Use 12 drops of the tincture or 1/2 teaspoon of a strong tea for each 20 lb. of the dog's body weight, 2 times a day.

[Todd]

CONT...

Skullcap

Skullcap is an effective herbal nervine and is commonly used to relieve pain resulting from nerve-related injuries or diseases, especially when combined in equal parts with St. John's wort.
An alcohol tincture can be used for this purpose. The following dosage can be fed to the dog for up to one week:
For each 20 pounds of the dog's body weight, combine:
12 drops of skullcap
12 drops of St.-John's Wort
Feed 12 drops (per 20 lb.) of the mixture to the dog 3 times a day.

St.-John's Wort

St.-John's Wort is effective in reducing pain brought on by injuries where the muscles, joints, or nerve endings have been bruised or crushed.
Topically, a tincture, oil infusion, or salve can be applied to the affected areas.
Internally, a tincture of the herb can be used in combination with skullcap (see above).

Licorice

Licorice is an effective anti-inflammatory due to the presence of a constitutent called Glycyrrhizin, which has a similar chemical structure to that of natural corticosteroids released by the adrenal glands. It is therefore one of the many natural herbal pain remedies that can relieve pain without compromising the body's immune system.
To alleviate pain and reduce joint swelling resulting from arthritis, an oil infusion of licorice can be used topically on the affected areas.

Cayenne

The compound in this herb, capsaicin, has the capacity to block pain and increase circulation. In addition, it can also activate the body's own anti-inflammatory mediators at the site where the herb is applied. A cream or ointment of this herb, is perhaps one of the most frequently used topical herbal pain remedies for treatment of stiff or arthritic joints.

Ginger

Fresh ginger's antispasmodic property makes it a good herbal pain remedy for stomach pain, and lower back pain. Used topically, ginger can be made into a poultice for the treatment of muscle pains and strains.

Turmeric

This culinary herb's anti-inflammatory effect is said to be comparable to those of cortisone. Turmeric is effective in treating arthritis and it can be safely fed to dogs (just sprinkle some of the dried herb on their food) as a dietary supplement.

Yucca

One main constituent of yucca, saponin, has anti-inflammatory actions. It also stimulates the body to produce its own cortiocosteroids and corticosteroid-related hormones. Using yucca to relieve pain and inflammation resulting from arthritis, therefore, is much safer than using synthetically produced drugs such as prednisolone.
Yucca is particularly effective when used in combination with alfalfa and licorice."

Just a note the ginger should help with vomiting/sickness. Any loose bowels? Canned pumpkin (not pie filling) should help.

As far as diet is concerned, what are you feeding the dog right now? Addisons causes your dog to have a compromised immune system. Home-made diets or very healthy diets r the best. Consider a home cooked diet. Raw may not be the best way to go because raw diets can be dangerous for dogs with compromised immune systems. Speaking of immune system here are a few links on how to naturally strengthen dog;s immune system...

naturally strengthen dog immune system - Google Search

naturally strengthen dog immune system - Google Search

I'm sure your vet has come up with a treatment plan. I would use a conventional med that treat Addisons as well as as many of there natural elements as possible as integrative treatment. Common conventional meds for this disease are DOCP, prednisone, or Florinef. Talk 2 ur vet about the pros and cons of these meds and possible risks/side effects to find which would be the best for your particular dog.

Good luck.