When Priceless Pets headed to the shelter to pull a very special dog the volunteers at the shelter told us Maxine was our girl. She was, after all a shelter favorite. Her little personality, spunky step and calm demeanor made her a loveable companion to many shelter workers. Maxine was suffering from a skin condition and her shelter notes state that it could have been an allergic reaction. We gladly accepted Maxine into our care, knowing we could easily treat an allergic reaction and get her into her forever loving home. Maxine was placed in a foster home with a vet appointment scheduled. Once in her foster home we notice that Maxine seemed to have issues using the restroom, her body felt very hot to the touch, and she seemed very lethargic. We then knew, this is not a case of routine allergies. She visited the vet the following day, and after her initial exam and blood test we found out that Maxine has Addison’s Disease. Addison’s Disease is described as: “Addison's disease is a disorder that occurs when your body produces insufficient amounts of certain hormones produced by your adrenal glands. In Addison's disease, your adrenal glands produce too little cortisol and often insufficient levels of aldosterone as well. Also called adrenal insufficiency, Addison's disease occurs in all age groups and affects both sexes. Addison's disease can be life-threatening. Treatment for Addison's disease involves taking hormones to replace the insufficient amounts being made by your adrenal glands, in order to mimic the beneficial effects produced by your naturally made hormones.” Maxine symptoms were so severe that she required hospitalization. Currently Maxine is hospitalized at Pets N Vets having her system flushed so we can relate her hormones and start her on the correct medication. She will require monthly hormone injections and quarterly blood test to make sure the mediation is correct. We anticipate that she will be able to live a happy, healthy life given that we regulate her medication and administer it monthly! However, the treatments are very expensive. We are hoping you will find it in your heart to make a donation to her lifelong care!
