Named after Thomas Addison, the Scottish physician who first described the disease in humans, Addison’s disease (more correctly known as hypoadrenocorticism) occurs when there is an underproduction of the steroid hormones by the adrenal glands. The most common cause of canine hypoadrenocorticism is the destruction of the adrenal glands by the pet’s own immune system, although adrenal gland tumors or certain medications can also result in steroid hormone deficiency. Hypoadrenocorticism is extremely rare in cats and is less well characterized than the disease is in dogs.
In a normal dog or cat, the two major steroid hormones produced by the adrenal gland are cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol is a stress hormone that regulates metabolism and the production of glucose. A deficiency in cortisol can result in low blood sugar. The hormone aldosterone regulates the body’s electrolytes, specifically the levels of potassium and sodium in the blood, both of which are important for normal nerve and muscle function. Aldosterone deficiency causes potassium to build up in the blood which, in severe cases, can lead to an irregular heartbeat or stop the heart entirely. The atypical form of hypoadrenocorticism occurs when there is only a deficiency in cortisol while aldosterone levels remain normal.
Zoonotic diseases or zoonoses are diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. Zoonoses are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. These microbes spread between animals and people in the following ways:
Direct contact – spread directly through immediate contact with an infected animal, including its saliva, blood, urine, mucus, and feces. Infections can spread through a direct touch, bite, or scratch.
Indirect contact – spread indirectly through contact with contaminated areas or objects, such as soil infected by an animal’s feces or a pet’s food dish contaminated by bacteria.
Vector-borne – spread through a “middleman” that carries the disease from animals to people. Common vectors that spread disease between people and pets include fleas, ticks, and mosquitos.
Foodborne – spread through eating contaminated food, such as raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk, or fresh produce contaminated by the feces of an infected animal. Either pet food or human food can be contaminated and cause illness.
Waterborne – spread through drinking or direct contact with water contaminated by the urine or feces of an infected animal.
It is possible for an animal to be infected with a microorganism and show no signs of illness. However, the animal will still be able to pass along the microorganism to people and cause illness or vice versa.
Leptospirosis, commonly known as “lepto,” is a contagious, bacterial disease that can cause serious damage to the kidney and/or liver. The bacteria that cause leptospirosis are spread through the urine of infected animals, which can get into water or soil and survive there for weeks or months.
Dogs contract leptospirosis when the bacteria enter the body through skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth), especially if the skin is broken from a cut or scratch. Drinking contaminated water can also cause infection, and the disease can be passed from a mother dog to her puppies through the placenta.
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. In humans, leptospirosis can cause flu-like symptoms and may lead to liver or acute kidney injury.
Sand impaction is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog ingests too much sand, often accidentally, while playing on the beach. Activities like digging in the sand or repeatedly picking up sandy balls or toys can lead to a sausage-shaped intestinal blockage, as shown in the circled area of the X-ray below.
If there has been one winner during the pandemic, it has been our dogs. Pups across America have been enjoying the constant company of their favorite people — and the extra attention that comes with it. But as workers start returning to the office, some dogs may struggle to adjust to the new routine. Here are 10 ways to help ease the transition.
Practice Separation
Leave your dog home alone for short periods at first and gradually increase the time you’re away.
Establish Your New Routine
If your morning walk will move from 9am to 7am when you return to the office, shift the schedule now, so the change will feel less abrupt when it occurs.
Increase Your Pup’s Exercise
Take your dog for a long walk each morning before you leave, so your pup will spend more time sleeping and less time stressing.
Encourage Independence
Set up a comfortable space where your dog can go for some quiet and relaxing time alone.
Rethink Your Exit Strategy
Give your dog a treat or a favorite toy when you leave to create a positive association with your departure.
Muffle Outside Noise
If your dog is easily startled by outside sounds, soothing music or a white noise machine may help.
Change of Scenery
Hire a trusted dog walker to come for a midday visit or look into sending your pup to daycare.
Reward Calm Behavior
Don’t fuss over your pup when you get home. You want to convey that it was “no big deal” that you were away. Give your dog attention when he’s calm.
Spy on Your Dog
If you’re concerned that your dog may be having trouble adjusting, set up a pet-cam so you can see what your pup is doing while you’re out.
Don’t Wait to Get Help
If your dog shows signs of separation anxiety (e.g. excessive barking, urinating or defecating indoors, destructive chewing), enlist the help of a board-certified veterinary behaviorist or a trainer licensed as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) or in another positive reinforcement training method.
