GLOSSARY

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Lytes -
see Electrolytes

ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) -
the definitive diagnostic test for Addison's Diesease.

Adrenal Gland (an overview) -
The adrenal glands consist of a center core (the medulla), surrounded by three layers of the cortex. The outer layer of the adrenal cortex produces aldosterone (mineralocorticoids), the middle layer produces (cortisolglucocorticoids) and the bottom/third layer -closest to the medulla- produces sex hormones. The medulla isn't affected by Addison's, but it's good to point out that that's where epinephrine is produced for the "fight or flight" reaction!

Aldosterone -
Mineralocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands for the maintenance of electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium and chloride) in the body

Atypical Addison's -
Deficient in cortisol only. The zones of the adrenal glands that manufacture cortisol are no longer functioning.

Compounded Florinef -
For efficient and cost-effective treatment of Primary Canine Addison's Disease, a "compounding pharmacist" can prepare an entire day's dose of generic fludrocortisone acetate in one (or two) capsules. For a compounding pharmacist near you.

Cortisol -
Corticosteroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands for metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates, production of red blood cells, stress response, maintaining blood pressure, reducing inflammation, etc.

Cushing's Disease -
"Opposite" of Addison's -the adrenal glands OVERproduce cortisol in a dog with Cushing's Disease. Note: a dog with Addison's Disease that's given too much prednisone will present the same symptoms as a dog with Cushing's Disease.

DOCP -
Desoxycorticosterone pivalate (see "Percorten")

Electrolytes -
Specifically, the mineral elements in the blood: sodium (Na), potassium (K) and chloride (Cl)

Florinef -
Fludrocortisone acetate, supplied in 0.1 mg tablets –this is a human medication that is prescribed "off-label" for the treatment of Primary Canine Addison’s Disease at a starting dosage of 0.1 mg per 10 pounds of body weight. Florinef is a mineralocorticoid replacement that also contains a small glucocorticoid component.

Glucocorticoid -
Commonly used daily (cortisol replacement) medication options for dogs with Atypical or Primary Addison’s Disease include: prednisone, prednisolone, “Medrol,” hydrocortisone

Hypoadrenocorticism -
Addison's Disease

Iatragenic -
Caused by medication (ex: overmedicating a dog for Cushings Disease can cause the adrenals to shut down and the dog will become an "iatragenic Addisonian")

Idiopathic -
Of unknown cause

Mineralocorticoid -
Aldosterone (for management/balance of electrolytes: sodium, potassium and chloride). Medication options for mineralocorticoid replacement in dogs with Primary Canine Addison's Disease include Percorten-v (DOCP), an injectable medication that’s administered every 21-30 days -or- Florinef, a daily oral medication.

NSAIDS -
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, the same class as such common over-the-counter remedies as Advil (Ibuprofen), Aleve (Naproxen), Orudis (ketoprofen), and Aspirin. The chief use for such drugs in the dog has been pain relief, usually joint pain or post-surgical pain relief. NSAIDS should not be used in dogs being treated for Addison's Disease!

Percorten
Manufacturer: Elanco

PD/PU -
PD (polydipsia): excessive or abnormal thirst; PU (polyuria): excessive urination'

Zycortal -
Manufacturer: Dechra

Zycortal is the only medication licensed in Europe for the treatment of Addison's Disease in dogs.
Evaluation of a low-dose desoxycorticosterone pivalate treatment protocol for long-term management of dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism.  Journal of Internal Veterinary Medicine.


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