Addison's disease is an uncommon but serious hormonal disorder in dogs. With appropriate management, affected dogs can live full and comfortable lives with good welfare.
Addison's disease creates a welfare challenge through the nonspecific nature of its signs which can delay diagnosis significantly. Affected dogs experience chronic lethargy, weakness, and gastrointestinal symptoms that may wax and wane, leading to dismissal as stress-related or behavioral. Addisonian crisis is a dramatic and frightening event involving cardiovascular collapse, weakness, vomiting, and shock that is life-threatening without immediate intervention. Once diagnosed and appropriately managed with hormone replacement including monthly desoxycorticosterone injections and daily prednisolone, most dogs achieve excellent quality of life. The medication cost and ongoing monitoring represent significant owner commitments.