Addison's Disease in Dogs: Managing Acute Crisis and Long-Term Welfare

Addison's disease in dogs causes life-threatening acute crises and requires lifelong hormone replacement, but well-managed dogs live normal lives with excellent welfare.

Key Facts

Hypoadrenocorticism results from failure of the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and aldosterone
Affected breeds include Standard Poodles, Bearded Collies, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, and Great Danes
Addisonian crisis presents as collapse, vomiting, severe weakness, and cardiovascular shock
Monthly desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) injections replace mineralocorticoid function effectively
Daily oral prednisolone replaces glucocorticoid function and may need dose increases during stress

Welfare Considerations

Dogs experiencing an undiagnosed Addisonian crisis suffer acute life-threatening welfare impacts from adrenal insufficiency. Diagnosed dogs managed appropriately with DOCP and prednisolone typically have excellent welfare with near-normal quality of life. The key welfare challenge is recognising signs of impending crisis and ensuring owner compliance with stress dosing protocols during illness, surgery, or significant stressors. Dogs with known Addison's disease should wear medical alert tags.

What You Can Do

Seek urgent veterinary attention if your dog collapses or shows signs of Addisonian crisis
Ensure monthly DOCP injections and daily prednisolone are given consistently
Learn to recognise early signs of Addisonian crisis in your dog
Increase prednisolone dose as directed by your vet during stressful events
Fit medical alert tags to dogs with Addison's disease to assist emergency veterinary treatment