Understanding Addison’s Disease in Dogs
When the Adrenal Glands Fall Short
Addison’s disease—also known as hypoadrenocorticism—is a condition that affects the adrenal glands, two small but powerful hormone-producing organs located near the kidneys. These glands play a crucial role in managing stress, electrolyte balance, blood pressure, and metabolism by producing hormones like cortisol and aldosterone. When the adrenal glands don’t produce enough of these hormones, it can cause serious health problems.
What Causes Addison’s Disease?
Most cases of Addison’s disease in dogs are immune-mediated, meaning the body mistakenly attacks and destroys its own adrenal tissue. Other causes can include certain medications or infections, though these are far less common.
Symptoms to Watch For
Addison’s disease is sometimes called “the great pretender” because its symptoms are vague and often come and go. Some early signs may include:
Lethargy or weakness
Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Weight loss
Increased thirst and urination
Shaking or shivering
Collapse (especially during times of stress)
Because these signs can mimic many other conditions, Addison’s is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed until a dog experiences an Addisonian crisis—a life-threatening episode of dehydration, shock, and dangerously low blood pressure.
How Is Addison’s Diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will start with a physical exam and blood tests, which may show imbalances in electrolytes like sodium and potassium. A classic sign of Addison’s is a low sodium-to-potassium ratio. Definitive diagnosis is made with an ACTH stimulation test, which measures how the adrenal glands respond to stimulation.
Managing Addison’s Disease
While the diagnosis can sound scary, Addison’s disease is very manageable with proper treatment. Dogs with Addison’s typically require:
Hormone replacement therapy: This may include daily medications (like prednisone) and monthly injections of a mineralocorticoid (such as DOCP) to replace what the adrenal glands no longer produce.
Routine monitoring: Regular bloodwork helps ensure the treatment is working and hormone levels are in balance.
Stress management: Dogs with Addison’s don’t tolerate stress well, so they may need extra steroid support during times of illness, travel, or surgery.
A Bright Future
With early diagnosis and lifelong treatment, dogs with Addison’s disease can go on to live happy, healthy, and active lives. If your dog has unexplained symptoms or seems "off" more often than not, talk to your veterinarian—it could be something more than just a bad day.
