Canine Hypoadrenocorticism (Addisons Disease): Welfare and Long-Term Management

Addisons disease in dogs involves deficiency of adrenal hormones, causing potentially fatal crises and requiring lifelong treatment, but with good welfare outcomes when managed appropriately.

Key Facts

Canine hypoadrenocorticism is caused by adrenal cortex destruction, often immune-mediated
Standard poodles, Leonbergers, and Portuguese Water Dogs are predisposed breeds
Addisonian crisis is life-threatening and presents with collapse, vomiting, and shock
Diagnosis requires an ACTH stimulation test showing inadequate cortisol response
Lifelong treatment with mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid supplementation is required

Welfare Considerations

The welfare impact of Addisons disease is biphasic: the initial Addisonian crisis is a life-threatening emergency causing extreme physiological distress, but with prompt treatment and correct long-term management, affected dogs can enjoy excellent quality of life. The challenge of welfare management lies in maintaining stable hormone replacement, recognising early signs of stress-related decompensation, and educating owners about emergency protocols. Monthly DOCP injections for mineralocorticoid replacement are well-tolerated and provide more stable control than daily tablets.

What You Can Do

Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog collapses or shows signs of severe gastrointestinal illness
Carry an emergency kit including injectable dexamethasone if your dog has diagnosed Addisons disease
Follow prescribed replacement hormone regimens and attend monitoring appointments
Educate yourself on signs of decompensation including increased drinking and gastrointestinal signs
Register with a 24-hour emergency veterinary service familiar with Addisons disease management