Navigating Addison's Disease

When I first met Sirius, a street dog from Greece, I knew she was special. What I didn’t realise was that our journey together would involve unravelling the mystery of a complex health condition. This is the story of Sirius, her battle with Addison’s disease, and how we’re facing this challenge together.

Sirius’s early life was far from easy. Born on the streets of Greece, she and her family were taken to a dog pound where tragedy struck. Sirius witnessed her family being attacked and killed by other dogs, an experience that left assume, deep emotional scars. For her safety, Sirius and her brother were placed in a cage. While her brother found a home quickly, Sirius remained caged for over a year.

Fortunately, a local dog charity took notice of Sirius. They provided her with daily walks, baths, food, and socialisation. When I saw her profile, I knew immediately that I wanted to give her a home. After vaccinations and paperwork, Sirius made the journey to the UK she was aged around 20 months old.

Sirius’s transition to life in the UK was challenging. Traumatised by her past experiences, she was aggressive towards other dogs and spent most of her time hiding in the spare bedroom. It took patience and consistent effort, but gradually, I was able to help Sirius feel more comfortable around other dogs and coax her out of hiding. It wasn’t until two years later that I felt we had truly bonded.

As Sirius settled into her new life, I noticed some concerning changes. She began to slow down, put on weight, and sleep more. Her digestion was erratic, alternating between normal eating habits, loss of appetite, loose stools, and constipation. Believing that addressing her digestive issues would improve her energy levels and help with weight loss, I took her to the vet for a check-up.

Blood tests came back normal, leaving us without a clear diagnosis. Undeterred, I tried various approaches to improve her health: different foods, digestive enzymes, vitamins, herbs, and bitters. While I’d see temporary improvements, Sirius would always regress after a few weeks.

About two months ago, Sirius developed a limp. Initially thinking it was a pulled muscle, I gave her paracetamol and rest. When she showed no improvement after a month, we returned to the vet. The prescribed anti-inflammatory medication made her extremely ill, and tramadol left her lethargic and depressed.

Noticing a rash on the inside of her thighs and considering the damp conditions in our house, I wondered if mould toxicity could be the culprit. This led to another round of blood tests, which finally provided some answers.

The blood tests revealed elevated liver enzymes, a potential underactive thyroid, and most significantly, Addison’s disease. Addison’s, or hypoadrenocorticism, is a condition where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough essential hormones, particularly cortisol and aldosterone.

It’s worth noting that Addison’s disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose due to its similarities with other health issues. The vague symptoms – lethargy, weight loss, digestive issues, and inconsistent appetite – can easily be attributed to various other conditions. This often leads to delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, as was the case with Sirius.

As a medical herbalist, I have the knowledge to treat using herbs, which proved invaluable while waiting for the vet to arrange additional tests for Sirius. The herbal protocol I developed has been working remarkably well, providing support for her overall health and helping to manage her symptoms.

After processing my initial feelings of shock, guilt, and sadness, I set about developing an herbal protocol to support Sirius’s health. Drawing on my knowledge of natural remedies, I created a regimen including:

I suspect that the elevated liver enzyme and Addison’s disease are the underlying reasons for Sirius’s potential thyroid issues. This is due to the intricate link within the endocrine system. The liver plays a crucial role in processing thyroid hormones, while cortisol (which is deficient in Addison’s disease) also impacts thyroid function. This interconnectedness highlights the complexity of Sirius’s condition and the importance of a holistic approach to her treatment.

This herbal protocol, combined with gradual dietary changes, has started to show promising results. At the time of writing, Sirius has been on the protocol for exactly two weeks. I noticed after a few days, she was more alert, she had lost the depression, she is much brighter in herself. I also noticed that Sirius’s coat became noticeably softer and shinier.

The herbs for adrenal support have led to a marked improvement in her energy levels; she has started to show more enthusiasm to go for walks and she gets off the settee to greet friends and family when they visit.

The rash on her thighs is healing up. I had been using my hot spot cream ( with additional essential oils for fungal infections ) on it but haven’t needed to for several days now.

One particular moment stands out: Sirius, who had gotten grumpy and growly with other dogs, now is calm and friendly again if they approach her. This is a significant breakthrough, demonstrating her increased confidence and vitality. She still barks and growls at next doors dog, when he barks at the fence, guess some things won’t change 😄

Managing Sirius’s Addison’s disease is an ongoing process. As her appetite improves, I’m slowly increasing her food intake to ensure she receives adequate nutrition to support her energy levels and overall health. Each day brings new observations and necessary adjustments to her treatment plan.

Reflecting on our journey, I believe Sirius’s traumatic past and the stress of her early life likely contributed to her adrenal fatigue. Despite these challenges, she has shown incredible resilience and strength.

Looking ahead, my focus will be on maintaining the balance I’ve achieved and continuing to monitor her health closely. Regular vet check-ups, along with her herbal protocol, will remain a cornerstone of her treatment. I also plan to explore more dietary options to further support her adrenal and thyroid health.

Our path together has been one of mutual support and love. While it hasn’t been easy, the bond we share has only grown stronger. Through proper care, herbal support, and a balanced diet, I’m hopeful that Sirius will continue to improve and enjoy a happy, healthy life.

Please note that I am sharing my personal experience with my dog, Sirius. As a medical herbalist, I have the knowledge to treat my own pets using herbs. However, I cannot treat other people’s pets. All treatments mentioned have been discussed with and approved by my vet. If you suspect your pet has a health issue, please consult with a qualified veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Please don’t ask me for advice for your pet, I am unable to give any, sorry.

Sirius’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, holistic care, and the unbreakable bond between a dog and their human. As I continue to navigate the complexities of Addison’s disease, I find hope and strength in each small victory along the way.

As the weeks/month go on I will regularly up date on Sirius’ progress.