Addison's disease in horses is a rare endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol and aldosterone, resulting in lethargy, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances.

Addison Disease

This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly.

Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is much less common in horses than Cushing’s disease. Addison’s results from a deficiency of adrenal hormones.Addison’s results from a deficiency of adrenal hormones. While the underlying cause is unknown, Addison’s disease is believed to be an autoimmune disorder. The adrenal gland may also be damaged because of a cancer elsewhere in the body.

Symptoms

  • Weakness
  • Kicking / Biting Stomach
  • Lethargy
  • Repeated Stretching
  • Infrequent urination
  • No passing urine
  • Dark urine
  • Diarrhea
  • Low appetite
  • Low heart rate
  • Prolonged Capillary Refill
  • Red Gums
  • Dry and Tacky Gums
  • Skin Flattens Slow
  • Skin doesn't flatten
  • Weight loss
  • Depression
  • Prolapse of the third eyelid
  • Tremors
  • Food particles falling out
  • Reduced Performance

Treatment

Addison’s disease may improve with administration of replacement hormones. An adrenal crisis, however, requires urgent medical care and the immediate administration of body fluids and supplemental minerals.

Prevention

Preventing Addison’s disease in horses is challenging because it often arises from autoimmune conditions or other underlying health issues that are not easily preventable; however, maintaining overall equine health through regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, and stress management can help mitigate risk factors.

How Happie can help you manage your horse's health

Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare.

With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments.

The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse's abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.

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