Addison's disease is an underdiagnosed hormonal disorder in dogs that can cause life-threatening crises but is manageable with appropriate treatment.
Addison's disease causes significant welfare harm through episodes of weakness, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse that can escalate to life-threatening crises without warning. Dogs with undiagnosed Addison's frequently experience months of cycles of partial recovery and relapse, with owners and sometimes veterinarians puzzled by the inconsistent presentation. The welfare of dogs during an Addisonian crisis is extremely poor - they experience profound weakness, nausea, and cardiovascular compromise. With appropriate diagnosis and lifelong treatment, however, Addisonian dogs can live completely normal, comfortable lives with excellent quality. The challenge is reaching the diagnosis before a crisis occurs.