Addison's disease causes adrenal insufficiency in dogs that manifests as acute life-threatening crises requiring emergency intervention and lifelong hormone supplementation.
An Addisonian crisis is a genuine emergency where dogs are in danger of dying from cardiovascular collapse within hours. Before diagnosis, affected dogs may have experienced weeks of waxing-waning weakness, lethargy, and gastrointestinal signs that are distressing but easily attributed to other causes. Once diagnosed and stabilized, Addisonian dogs live normal, high-quality lives with appropriate hormone supplementation. Owner education about stress dosing prevents future crises from inadequate cortisol during illness.