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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.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has Addison's. What are the symptoms, causes, and tests?

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 PetCoach. Here is some information about Addisons disease: https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/endocrine/c_dg_hypoadrenocorticism

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What skin problems are associated with Addison's disease in dogs?

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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Why is my dog losing so much hair? Could it be Addison's disease?

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. 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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Why is my dog vomiting? What is Atypical Addison's disease & treatment?

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My senior poodle with Addison's is losing weight. How to help?

If Maggie has been well controlled for that long then I suspect something other than the Addison's is causing the weight loss. I would recommend an examination by your veterinarian. They will likely recommend blood work and possibly x-rays depending on what is revealed or found during the physical exam. I hope this gives you a place to start. I hope Maggie improves soon.

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My dog's ACTH test was positive for Addison's. Is the diagnosis wrong?

If the ACTH stim test was positive then that is a pretty definitive diagnosis. If you stated that he had an ACTH stim in the last question, I'm sorry I missed that. Likely his symptoms are medication related so work with your vet about adjusting the dosages (if they can be adjusted). I hope this clarifies! Thanks!

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What's the life expectancy for older dogs with Addison's disease?

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