Addison's disease is a rare but serious adrenal insufficiency in dogs that causes episodic crises and requires lifelong management to prevent suffering.
Addison's disease causes episodic suffering from chronic hormonal deficiency and acute crisis events. Between crises, affected dogs may have waxing and waning weakness, gastrointestinal upset, and reduced exercise tolerance from inadequate cortisol. Addisonian crises — triggered by stressful events, infections, or missed medication — cause severe weakness, collapse, bradycardia, and potentially fatal shock. The symptoms are often subtle early in the disease, meaning dogs suffer with undiagnosed chronic illness for months before diagnosis. The treatment regimen is intensive but highly effective — with proper management, dogs with Addison's can live completely normal, happy lives. The primary welfare concern is delay in diagnosis and management of crises. Regular monitoring of electrolytes and timely medication adjustment are key to preventing suffering in managed dogs.