This is Dolly, a one-year-old Staffie cross. Dolly had been suffering from tiredness and vomiting, and after tests at her local vets she was referred to our out-of-hours Pet A&E hospital in Ellesmere Port.

The team tested her blood and found that her salt levels were dangerously imbalanced, causing her heart to beat extremely slowly. After a few further tests, our team of inpatient vets and nurses diagnosed her with Addison’s disease, or Hypoadrenocorticism, is a rare condition caused by insufficient levels of two crucial hormones produced by the adrenal glands, located near a dog’s kidneys. These hormones are vital for your dog’s well-being, and if left untreated, Addison's disease can be life-threatening.

Dolly started hormone replacement medications immediately, which she will need for the rest of her life. After much improvement, we were very pleased to get her home to her family after 48 hours. The whole team fell in love with this sweet, shy girl during her hospital stay. Dolly has been back a number of times for check-ups and we wish her good health for the future.

Animal Trust provides 24/7 emergency veterinary care at our three hospitals in Bolton, Shrewsbury, and Ellesmere Port, to find out more see our Out of Hours section.