Unraveling Canine Addison’s Disease: Dr. Steven Friedenberg Discusses His Research

This episode features a deep dive into canine Addison’s Disease, specifically in poodles, with Dr. Steven Friedenberg, a world-renowned veterinary researcher. We explore its signs, diagnosis, genetics, and how breeders and owners can be proactive in detecting and managing this complex condition. Dr. Friedenberg shares insights from his research and clinical experience, emphasizing the importance of awareness and continued research to understand this disease more fully, as there is currently no way to test for Addison's.Key Topics:

Dr. Friedenberg’s background and research focus on autoimmune disorders in dogs

The clinical signs and emergency presentations of Addison’s disease

The hormonal basis of Addison’s: cortisol and aldosterone roles

Differences between autoimmune and other causes of Addison’s disease in dogs

Genetic complexity of Addison’s in poodles, including polygenic traits

The impact of size and sex hormones on disease risk

The prevalence and epidemiology of Addison’s in standard poodles

Breeding strategies to reduce disease incidence

Current limitations and future hopes for genetic testing

Ongoing research projects and sample collection efforts

keywords

Addison's disease, dogs, poodles, veterinary genetics, autoimmune disorders, canine health, genetic testing, veterinary research

key topics

Genetics of Addison's disease in dogs

Diagnosis and clinical signs of Addison's crisis

Genetic testing and breeding strategies

Research on autoimmune and complex genetic traits

Impact of size and breed on disease risk

guest name

Dr. Steven Friedenberg

Titles

Understanding Addison's Disease in Poodles: Genetics and Management

The Genetic Basis of Addison's Disease in Dogs with Dr. Friedenberg

sound bites

"Addison's in dogs might not be autoimmune."

"Lifelong treatment is required for most dogs."

"Spaying and neutering increase risk."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest

02:54 Guest background and research focus

06:45 Clinical experience with Addison's crisis

07:41 Understanding Addison's disease in dogs

09:26 Signs and symptoms of Addison's in poodles

12:22 Impact of Addison's on a dog's life

16:52 Why testing for Addison's is complex

20:44 Environmental and genetic factors influencing Addison's

25:32 Breeding strategies and genetic diversity

27:57 Research on genetic markers and disease risk

30:20 Other diseases studied by the researcher

32:14 Size and genetic predisposition in poodles

36:35 Diagnosis and testing for Addison's

39:33 Ongoing research and sample collection

43:43 How to contact the researcher and resources

resources

Canine Addison's Resources and Education (CARE) - https://canineaddisons.org

University of Minnesota Veterinary Genetics Lab - https://vetgenomics.umn.edu