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My dog has weight loss, tremors, skin problems. What tests diagnose Addison's?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 7 years and 2 months old | 22 lbs

my dog 7 years old had injured by car when he was one year , he has no muscles nowadays, he weight loss, he has tremor mostly in the morning and skin problens, I suspect addison disease and I would like to know the exames to confirm ? Thank you.

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 17th, 2017

I'm sorry Julinho isn't doing well! Addison's disease in dogs is diagnosed by a blood test. A dog is given an injection of the adrenal stimulation hormone called ACTH. A normal dog will show an increase in blood cortisol, which a dog with Addison's disease will not have an increase in blood cortisol. Keep in mind that Addison's is not common and has a wide variety of symptoms so your vet may want to do other tests to rule out other possible causes of his symptoms. If those are ruled out, then the vet will do an ACTH stimulation test. I would take him into the vet on Monday. I hope this helps!

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