It is an emergency situation which warrants immediate veterinary care. Treatment includes intravenous fluids, antibiotics and dietary control. The dog will probably have to be on a low fat diet. Also refer to Pancreatitis, An Owner's Guide to Pet Care . Cushing's Disease is also encountered with some frequency.
Females are more affected than males and often fall within the six to eight year age group.
Initial clinical signs are increased thirst and urination and an increase in body weight. Later observable is a change in body type, a pot bellied appearance, thinning of the dog's coat and other changes involving the skin. All of this is related to over production of adrenal cortex hormones. Various medications are available to counteract this over production. Hypothyroidism is the number one inherited disease of dogs in general.