Mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids are hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands. Both of these are critical to the healthy functioning of the body, and an abnormal increase or decrease of either of these can lead to serious health problems. Hypoadrenocorticism is characterized by a deficient production of glucocorticoids and/or mineralocorticoids.
This disease is relatively rare in dogs and is seen most often in young to middle-aged dogs, female dogs, and may be familial in Bearded Collies, Standard Poodles, Portuguese water dogs, West Highland white terriers, rottweilers, and wheaten terriers.
Symptoms will vary depending on the duration of the problem. Life-threatening symptoms are usually observed in acute episodes of this disease.
