About a year ago our dog was diagnosed with Addison Disease. In humans it is described as follows. Addison's disease is an endocrine or hormonal disorder that occurs in all age groups and afflicts men and women equally. The disease is characterized by weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and sometimes darkening of the skin in both exposed and non exposed parts of the body. Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, the hormone aldosterone. The disease is also called adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism.

We are Raising money to pay vet bills.

Dr Barbara Calm at Calm Animal Care diagnosed Makwa in the fall of 2007. Makwa had diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and her back legs gave out at one point. Makwa also has problems with her thyroid.

Dr Calm has kept her relatively stable since then. At this point Makwa takes Fludrocortisone once a day, Soloxine every 12 hours, and Prednisolone every other day.

At least a couple times a year Makwa needs a blood work, to make sure she is on track with her medication. The last blood work indicated that she has liver issues as well.

Our hope is to get help paying off the vet bill; set aside money to cover the drugs; and set up a fund to help people who can't cover their vet bills.

Makwa sure was one sick puppy dog. I am so grateful that we have her at this time stabilized thanks to Barbara Calm and her Wonderful team and of course the medication she takes on a daily basis for Addison's.

I remember how sick she was last year and how hard it was to get her stabilized. It was an incredibly stressful time for her and us. I'm hoping we can keep her in good health with the care from Calm Animal Care and proper medication.

Last year we had her on IV, several times, at home. I became a very light sleeper as she would have to wake me up throughout the night. Because she was so sick. We keep a close eye on her and I have learned to recognize Makwa's, “I'm not feeling well!”, look in her eyes as well as other tell tale symptoms; droopy tail and wanting her belly rubbed. It has certainly been an education on Addison disease.

Makwa has about a $700 vet bill.

Makwa
Makwa means - Bear Ojibwe Also: Makwa is a village in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. Makwa (also spelled Makwia) is a town in Sokoto State, Nigeria. It is located at approximately and has a population of roughly 3,000. [1](read more)