Dog Addison Disease: Recognition, Crisis Prevention and Care

Hypoadrenocorticism, known as Addison disease, is a life-threatening hormonal disorder in dogs that requires emergency recognition and lifelong management.

Key Facts

Addison disease is known as the great pretender due to its varied and non-specific signs
Standard Poodles, Bearded Collies and Portuguese Water Dogs have elevated breed prevalence
Dogs can appear to recover between episodes masking the underlying condition for months or years
Addisonian crisis is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intensive care
The vast majority of dogs with Addison disease live normal lifespans with appropriate treatment
Twice-monthly desoxycorticosterone injections or daily fludrocortisone replace mineralocorticoids
Stress dosing with additional glucocorticoids during illness or surgery prevents Addisonian crisis

Welfare Considerations

Addison disease causes episodic crises of extreme weakness, collapse and shock that are terrifying and life-threatening. Dogs experiencing Addisonian crisis may be found collapsed, unable to rise, with severely low blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms. Between crises, chronically low cortisol causes persistent fatigue, gastrointestinal upset and lethargy that reduces quality of life. The condition is entirely manageable once diagnosed, but the path to diagnosis is often prolonged as symptoms are non-specific. Diagnosed dogs on appropriate treatment live normal, comfortable lives. Stress protocol education is essential - owners must know when and how to give emergency glucocorticoids.

What You Can Do

Request Addison disease testing if your dog has repeated episodes of unexplained collapse or illness
Carry a stress protocol letter from your vet detailing emergency steroid doses for crisis situations
Ensure all family members and dog carers understand Addisonian crisis signs and emergency protocol
Never miss DOCP injection appointments - mineralocorticoid management cannot be interrupted safely
Inform all veterinarians treating your dog about their Addison diagnosis before any procedure
Purchase predisposed breeds from breeders who screen breeding stock
Wear medical alert identification for dogs with Addison disease if travelling