Canine hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) results from insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone by the adrenal glands. It is frequently misdiagnosed but carries an excellent long-term prognosis with appropriate treatment.
Undiagnosed Addison's disease causes dogs to experience recurring episodes of profound weakness, nausea, and physical collapse that are frightening and physically debilitating. The intermittent nature of signs means dogs may suffer multiple welfare-compromising episodes over months before diagnosis. An Addisonian crisis is acutely life-threatening and causes severe suffering. Once diagnosed, the treatment dramatically reverses all signs — dogs typically show remarkable improvement within days of starting appropriate hormone supplementation. The welfare story of Addison's disease is therefore one of preventable suffering through earlier diagnosis and consistently positive outcomes once correctly managed. Breed-aware screening in predisposed breeds is valuable.