Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Addison's Disease Management

Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism) causes acute welfare crises if undiagnosed but is highly manageable with appropriate lifelong treatment. Understanding management improves welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands produce insufficient cortisol and/or aldosterone
Addisonian crisis is a life-threatening emergency requiring emergency corticosteroid treatment
Maintenance treatment with oral fludrocortisone or monthly desoxycorticosterone injections is effective
Dogs treated appropriately can live completely normal lives with excellent welfare
Stress dosing during illness, surgery, or major events prevents Addisonian crisis

Welfare Considerations

Addison's disease is entirely manageable with appropriate treatment, enabling excellent welfare and normal life expectancy. Early diagnosis prevents the acute welfare crisis of unrecognised Addisonian episodes.

What You Can Do

Maintain regular monitoring for dogs with Addison's disease
Carry injectable dexamethasone for Addisonian crisis emergency management
Implement stress dosing protocols before any significant stressor
Ensure all caregivers including kennels understand your dog's condition and emergency management