Canine Addison disease (hypoadrenocorticism) causes life-threatening adrenal crises but is manageable with lifelong treatment, with crisis prevention being the central welfare challenge for affected dogs.
The welfare impact of Addison disease is concentrated in two areas: the diagnostic journey (dogs often suffer through recurrent vague illness for months before diagnosis) and crisis prevention (a single missed stress dose or inadequate dose adjustment can precipitate life-threatening collapse). Well-informed owners who understand stress dosing protocols and recognize early crisis signs can prevent most acute welfare harms. The prognosis with appropriate management is excellent - an important message for owners of newly diagnosed dogs who may face initial despair.