#MarchMeetTheMaker Day 19- Can't live Without ♡♡♡ So today I'm going a little off topic as I want to raise some awareness for a little known condition Addisons. This is my little old boy, Ronnie. He really is (one of) my 'can't live without's. He's amazing my general wellbeing as I'm up and out with him every morning and some evenings. He keeps me company on the days when I'm at home and don't necessarily have clients in. He puts up with my general craziness and non-stop singing (mainly because he's now totally deaf)!!! At 8 years old he became really poorly and nearly died. After a few fretfull days he was diagnosed with a condition which mainly affects female poodles! The disease is called Addisons and we learnt he had had his first Addisons crisis. Addison’s disease, scientifically known as hypoadrenocorticism, is a disease with serious consequences for dogs, although fortunately with proper treatment, dogs diagnosed with Addison's disease are expected to have normal lifespans. Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce the hormones that they are in charge of in the body. The most important hormones produced by the adrenal glands are steroids, particularly aldosterone and cortisol. These steroids play a large role in regulating your dog’s internal organs and body systems. Without them, a dog’s body deteriorates, leading to serious complications and even death. This is why our old boy had been on 4 tablets each and ever day since been diagnosed. If he ever experiences anything that can stress him we have to give him more medication. Addisons is also a human condition, and dogs can be trained to identify when their owner is going into an Addisons crisis, potentially saving their owners life. Before Ronnie' s condition flared up, we had never heard of it. When he was diagnosed we thought it was a death sentence, but if managed properly (meds at the same time every day; regular blood tests; extra meds at times of stress) dogs can love a full life- as Ronnie proves! There is a fabulous Facebook group called Canon's Addisons Resources and Education (care) if anyone wants to read further. Until tomorrow, Vic xx