Addison's Disease in Dogs

Addison's Disease is a hormonal disorder characterized by low adrenal hormone production. Here, our Toledo vets discuss Addison's disease in dogs, the cause, symptoms, and what can be done to treat this condition.

What is Addison's disease in dogs?

Addison's disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is a disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands, located near the kidneys, fail to produce adequate amounts of essential hormones, particularly cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones regulate various bodily functions, including stress response, metabolism, and electrolyte balance.

Cortisol regulates your dog's metabolism, glucose production, fat and protein breakdown, blood pressure, inflammation suppression, red blood cell formation, and stress response. On the other hand, aldosterone regulates organ function by balancing your pet's sodium and potassium levels, which are important for maintaining the right fluid levels in your pup's body.

What causes Addison's disease in dogs?

Addison's disease in dogs is usually caused by an autoimmune response in which the dog's immune system attacks the adrenal glands. Other potential causes include infections, tumors, or certain medications that can impair adrenal gland function. In some cases, the exact cause remains unknown.

Are some breeds more likely to develop Addison's disease?

Addison's Disease can develop in any dog, regardless of age or breed. However, it is most commonly seen in young to middle-aged female dogs and certain breeds, such as Nova Scotia duck-tolling retrievers, Leonbergers, Labrador retrievers, Portuguese water dogs, bearded collies, and standard poodles.

Addison's Disease in Dogs

With Addison's disease in dogs, the symptoms can vary and develop slowly over time, making the condition challenging to diagnose. Common symptoms include:

What is an Addisonian crisis?

The symptoms of Addison's disease can appear suddenly and be very severe, leading to what is known as an Addisonian crisis. Signs of an Addisonian crisis include life-threatening symptoms such as shock and collapse. If your dog shows these symptoms, immediate veterinary care is necessary.

What is atypical Addison's disease in dogs?

Dogs with atypical Addison's disease typically experience less severe symptoms of the disease, making the conditions even more challenging to diagnose. These dogs do not present in Addisonian crisis or suffer from severe dehydration or shock. 

Signs of atypical Addison's disease in dogs may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, or weight loss.  Typically, these dogs experience chronic or intermittent gastrointestinal issues leading up to their diagnosis. 

How is Addison's disease diagnosed?

Addison's disease in dogs is usually diagnosed during an Addisonian crisis, which is an acute and severe phase of the condition.

After stabilizing the dog's condition, bloodwork and urinalysis are conducted to detect signs of the disease, such as anemia, high potassium and urea levels in the blood, and abnormal sodium, chloride, and calcium levels.

Furthermore, an ECG (electrocardiogram) may be performed to identify dog heart rate changes. Additionally, an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test is used to assess the dog's adrenal glands' functioning and definitively diagnose Addison's disease.

Is Addison's disease in dogs treatable?

Yes, Addison's disease in dogs is treatable. The primary goal of treatment is to replace the deficient hormones through medication. Most dogs with Addison's disease require lifelong hormone replacement therapy, which typically involves oral glucocorticoids (cortisol) and mineralocorticoids (aldosterone). Regular veterinary check-ups and blood tests are essential to monitor hormone levels and adjust medication dosages as needed.

What is the life expectancy for dogs with Addison's disease?

With proper treatment and ongoing management, dogs with Addison's disease can lead relatively normal and active lives. Pet owners must be vigilant and consistent with medication administration and watch for any signs of an Addisonian crisis.

Early detection and prompt treatment can significantly improve the prognosis and quality of life for dogs with Addison's disease.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.