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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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2 Answers

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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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    Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 23rd, 2020

    Hello. These results are not indicative of Addison’s disease, but in order to diagnose that you are missing a diagnostic test. The definitive test for Addison’s is an ACTH Stimulation test, not a Dex Suppression test. The general chemistry panel does not support Addison’s as the Na/K ratio is normal. Typically, dogs with Addison’s have low Na, high K and a ratio less than 27. Your pet has a ratio of 30. I’m wondering what your pet’s clinical signs are. Typically, they are bouts of GI distress with vomiting, diarrhea accompanied by profound lethargy and some weakness. Heart effects can be seen but they are typically weak pulses or possible arrhythmia due to the electrolyte imbalances. If you and your veterinarian feel that Addison’s is a possibility, an abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the Adrenal glands is also helpful....but an ACTH Stim test is needed. Thank you

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I sold a pup the new owner said it has Addison disease. Is there a test for the pup or just symptums? A genetic test for parents since they do not have Addisons? What causes it? Thanks!
I am sorry this has happened. To test for Addisons disease you would do the ACTH stim test. I do not think there is a genetic test for the parents. This is an adrenal gland disease and basically the dog is not producing enough mineralcorticoids. Thank you for using Boop by Petco. Here is some information about Addisons disease: https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/endocrine/c_dg_hypoadrenocorticism
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What type of skin problems could be associated with Addison's disease?
Currently there are no skin problems associated with Addison’s Disease (hypoadrenocorticism). Although the opposite disorder, Cushings disease (hyperadrenocorticism) can cause many skin problems including thickening of the skin and Alopecia. The symptoms of Addison’s disease are weakness, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, trembling, increased urination and drinking, regurgitation and collapse. It typically also presents as an acute (all of a sudden) decline of the pet which is an emergency type situation. Before the pets acute episode, a waxing and waning of clinical signs over the course of weeks or months is typically seen. I hope this helps and best of luck with your pet Rosie. Addison’s disease -http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=608
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I need help with someone explaining my dogs recent lab results. Does this indicate he has Addison's Disease. And can my dog have Secondary Hypertension due to the Addison's triggering it? I have videos of my dog having weird episodes which coincides
Hello. These results are not indicative of Addison’s disease, but in order to diagnose that you are missing a diagnostic test. The definitive test for Addison’s is an ACTH Stimulation test, not a Dex Suppression test. The general chemistry panel does not support Addison’s as the Na/K ratio is normal. Typically, dogs with Addison’s have low Na, high K and a ratio less than 27. Your pet has a ratio of 30. I’m wondering what your pet’s clinical signs are. Typically, they are bouts of GI distress with vomiting, diarrhea accompanied by profound lethargy and some weakness. Heart effects can be seen but they are typically weak pulses or possible arrhythmia due to the electrolyte imbalances. If you and your veterinarian feel that Addison’s is a possibility, an abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the Adrenal glands is also helpful....but an ACTH Stim test is needed. Thank you
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Is extensive hair loss another sign of Addison disease?
Hello and welcome to Boop by Petco. Addison's disease is called the 'Great Pretender' because the clinical signs vary so much. They often display signs of 'poor doing' which can include a poor hair coat. There are other causes of hair loss as well so making sure that the cause is Addison's and you aren't missing something else is important. I would have Pete seen by your vet for this, and work this up in conjunction with the Addisons. Best of luck with Pete.
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