Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) in dogs involves failure of adrenal cortex function, causing potentially fatal crises and requiring lifelong hormone replacement, but well-managed dogs can have excellent quality of life.
Addison's disease presents a welfare trajectory that pivots around diagnosis. Undiagnosed dogs experience repeated episodes of weakness, vomiting, and circulatory compromise that are frightening and physically distressing, culminating in a crisis that is life-threatening without emergency treatment. Once diagnosed and stabilised on appropriate hormone replacement, most Addisonian dogs achieve excellent welfare — they feel well, are active, and engage normally with their environment. The welfare challenge shifts to management: owners must understand stress dosing, carry emergency medication when travelling, and ensure any treating veterinarian knows of the diagnosis. Missed injections or inadequate stress doses during illness can precipitate rapid deterioration. The condition is entirely manageable with informed, committed ownership and regular veterinary monitoring.