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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