This information is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian. The adrenals are small glands that are located near the kidneys.
Adrenal hormones are necessary to control salt, sugar and water balance in the body.
Addison's disease occurs most commonly in young to middle-aged female dogs. The average age is about 4 years old. Signs of Addison's disease may appear suddenly, or be intermittent The signs of Addison's disease may be severe and appear suddenly, or may occur intermittently and vary in severity. When a pet is stressed, their adrenal glands produce more cortisol, which helps them deal with the stress. Because dogs with Addison's disease cannot make enough cortisol, they cannot deal with stress, so the signs may occur or worsen when stressed.