My dog came down with Addison's immediately after she got her yearly shots which this year included a 3-yr. rabies shot

by Claire Horvath
(Altamonte Springs, FL)

My dog Sadie, a purebred Skye Terrier, 5 1/2 yrs. old was diagnosed with Addison's immediately after she got her yearly shots which included a 3-yr rabies shot. She didn't eat or drink for several days and the vet could not get a catheter in her so I had to take her to AVS (Affiliated Veterinary Specialists) here in Altamonte Springs, FL.

She was diagnosed there via ACHT test and given a 1ml shot of Percorten-V and had to take 1/2 of a 5mg Prednisone. Treatment followed with my regular vet 25 days after her getting a shot and all her blood work was normal so she got no shot but continued on Prednisone he said but start weaning her off to every 3rd day and then none two weeks before her visit. He was not convinced either way she had Addison's. She was shaking in the car when I took her to the vet yesterday but was calm in the office. The vet did blood work again and said her blood work was all over the place and said she did have Addison's. He gave her a shot and said to put her back on the 1/2 5mg pill of Prednisone. He said she had a low grade of Addison's but I don't know what that is so I'll have to call and ask. Prior to taking her to the vet yesterday (her first encounter at AVS was 4/6/10 and no shot until yesterday (6/16/10) she did not want to eat hardly but did drink it seemed after the Prednisone was out of her system.

I'm baffled as to why she did not need a shot for two months and acted perfectly perky and healthy for two months. I thought if she had Addison's she would need a shot every month so I'm so confused on this.

Can anyone answer?

Editor Suggestion - Injection Frequency for Dog's With Addison's Disease

Hi Claire,

In dogs with Addison's disease, periodic injections of a hormone called Percorten-V (desoxycorticosterone pivalate) are needed to replace the missing hormones. The frequency of the injections depends on the severity of the disease, and some dogs may require monthly injections while others may need them less frequently.

The low-grade Addison's disease mentioned by your vet may refer to a milder form of the disease, where the symptoms may be less severe and more intermittent.

Regarding the timing of the shots and why your dog was okay for two months without one, it's possible that the initial shot of Percorten-V was enough to stabilize her condition temporarily. The weaning off of Prednisone may have also helped her body adjust to the medication. However, it's important to follow your vet's instructions on medication and injection schedules to ensure your dog's health and well-being.

If you have any further questions or concerns, it's always best to consult with your vet who knows your dog's medical history and condition best.

Regards,

Jeff
Editor
Dog Health Guide