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Awareness

What is Addison's disease?

Addison's disease, also called hypoadrenocorticism, occurs when a dog's adrenal glands do not provide enough of the hormones the body needs to maintain normal function. The most important deficiencies involve cortisol and, in many dogs, the mineralocorticoid aldosterone.

Because these hormones influence metabolism, the body's response to stress, blood pressure, and the balance of sodium and potassium, the effects can appear in many different ways. Signs may be mild at first and can come and go, which is one reason Addison's can be difficult to recognize.

Signs worth knowing

Possible signs include decreased appetite, weight loss, low energy, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, increased drinking or urination, and reduced tolerance for exercise. Some dogs have tremors or collapse. None of these signs proves that a dog has Addison's disease, but recurring or unexplained combinations deserve veterinary attention.

Why awareness matters

Some dogs develop a sudden, life-threatening adrenal crisis involving dehydration, low blood pressure, electrolyte abnormalities, low blood sugar, or abnormal heart rhythms. Collapse, profound weakness, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, or other signs of severe illness should be treated as an emergency.

Addison's can occur in dogs of many breeds and ages. Primary disease is often believed to have an immune-mediated cause, although other causes are possible. A form called atypical Addison's can initially involve cortisol deficiency without the classic sodium and potassium changes.