Addison’s Disease Nearly Took This Dog’s Life—Could Your Pup Be at Risk?

When Obi—a Yorkshire Terrier—began behaving strangely, his humans were immediately concerned. Over two weeks, Obi started refusing food and began losing weight at a drastic rate. Obi was lethargic, struggled to keep his body temperature up, and was suffering from such severe tremors that even going outside to potty was difficult. Whatever he did eat he would throw up, and Obi’s humans were terrified something was horribly wrong with their sweet pup.  (Watch video below)

After a frantic ER visit and four trips to their veterinarian, Obi and his humans finally got some answers; Obi had Addison’s disease, a hormonal disorder that causes adrenal insufficiency, reducing the capacity of the adrenal glands to produce certain hormones, which in turn help regulate vital functions in the body. Also called hypoadrenocorticism, Addison’s disease in dogs can be very serious and always requires veterinary care. 

Source: @TikTok/mrsadrimarie

Luckily for Obi and other dogs like him, Addison’s disease life expectancy in dogs is quite high with proper treatment. When your dog is diagnosed with a serious condition like Addison’s disease, learning as much as you can and seeking immediate treatment can make all the difference for your pet’s quality of life and your well-being as their caregiver. Obi will need an injection once a month for the rest of his life to help his body function properly, but otherwise, he can live his life as normal. 

What is Addison’s Disease in Dogs? 

Addison’s disease is a chronic, life-long condition that occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid hormones, causing the dog to become deficient in cortisol and aldosterone. 

Addison’s Disease

“It is widely known that cortisol helps regulate the body’s stress and perceived danger responses, but that is just one (albeit important) function,” says the Sandia Animal Clinic. “Cortisol also helps regulate immune responses, as well as metabolism, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and inflammation.” When cortisol hormone levels drop—for example from Addison’s disease—affected dogs can experience lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea and vomiting, abdominal pain, tremors, and more. 

Aldosterone plays a similarly important role in the body and balances electrolyte levels. When dogs develop adrenal gland disorders and diseases including Addison’s disease they lose their ability to produce sufficient aldosterone, which can cause an excess of potassium and a deficiency of sodium. Symptoms of aldosterone deficiency are similar to the symptoms of cortisol deficiency, and since they often go hand in hand with cortisol deficiency, they are hard to distinguish from each other.  

What Causes Addison’s Disease in Dogs?

Addison’s disease is caused by damage or destruction of the adrenal cortex—the outer wall of the adrenal gland. Addison’s disease-causing adrenal cortex damage is most often the result abnormal immune responses, but trauma, certain illnesses and infections, and treatments for Cushing’s disease may also be the culprit. 

Addison’s Disease

Cushing’s disease is essentially the opposite of Addison’s disease and causes an excess rather than a deficit of cortisol and aldosterone. During treatment, the medications used to counteract Cushing’s disease may inadvertently cause damage or over-suppress the adrenal gland. 

In secondary Addison’s disease—which I’ll discuss further below—the adrenal gland may be functional and undamaged, but not receiving sufficient stimulation from a hormone released by the pituitary gland. In secondary Addison’s disease, the underlying issue is in the pituitary gland. 

Types of Addison’s Disease in Dogs

Dogs can develop three types of Addison’s disease: primary Addison’s disease, secondary Addison’s disease, and atypical Addison’s disease. 

Primary Addison’s disease is caused by direct damage to the adrenal cortex and results in cortisol and aldosterone deficiency. 

Secondary Addison’s disease is caused by a deficiency of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which is produced in the pituitary gland. Often this deficiency is caused by a tumor or defect in the pituitary gland impairing proper ACTH production. Secondary Addison’s disease results primarily in cortisol deficiency, but production of aldosterone may also be impacted. 

Addison’s Disease

Atypical Addison’s disease in dogs is more “subtle” than primary Addison’s disease, and many dogs with atypical Addison’s will retain mineralocorticoid function, meaning their aldosterone and electrolyte levels may appear normal though their cortisol is depleted. Atypical Addison’s disease can be caused by either primary or secondary Addison’s triggers, but are more difficult to diagnose. 

What Are The Early Symptoms of Addison’s Disease in Dogs? 

Onset symptoms of Addison’s disease are prone to waxing and waning, meaning they come and go and rise and fall in severity. Episodes may appear out of the blue then not happen for some time, but it’s important to know that Addison’s disease can become a life-threatening emergency. 

“Clinical signs of Addison’s disease are usually vague, meaning there are no particular signs that indicate a diagnosis of the disease. Addisonian patients may present with lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, increased thirst, urination, and unplanned weight loss. Intermittent shaking episodes are sometimes seen” says Tammy Hunter DVM, et al. from VCA Animal Hospitals.

 “Sometimes this condition takes on a much more serious presentation resulting in sudden weakness, with severe vomiting and diarrhea, and sometimes collapse. This is an Addisonian crisis and is considered a medical emergency. Immediate hospitalization and supportive treatment are needed,” Hunter added.

Left untreated, Addison’s disease can become deadly. If your dog has been experiencing bouts of lethargy, vomiting, tremors, or unwanted weight loss, talk to your veterinarian about Addison’s disease.  

How Addison’s Disease in Dogs is Diagnosed

Veterinarians use a combination of your dog’s medical history and diagnostic tests to diagnose Addison’s disease. Vets will administer electrolyte testing, blood tests, urine sampling, and may also request additional blood work for hormone testing. Physical tests like x-rays, electrocardiograms, MRIs, and CT scans may occasionally be recommended, particularly if secondary Addison’s disease is suspected. 

10 Dog Breeds at Higher Risk for Addison’s Disease

Addison’s Disease

Dogs of any breed can develop Addison’s disease, but there are certain breeds that are genetically predisposed to the condition, meaning they can inherit it. Dogs with acquired Addison’s disease typically have an onset of symptoms around 4–6 years old, but dogs with inherited Addison’s disease can show symptoms within the first few months of life. 

If you own a breed that is prone to Addison’s disease, it’s important to learn what you can to treat the issue as soon as possible. If you purchase one of these breeds from a breeder, speak with them about their genetic testing practices and whether they test for Addison’s disease. 

Dog Breeds at Highest Risk of Inherited Addison’s Disease

  • Bearded Collie
  • Great Dane
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Leonberger
  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Rottweiler
  • Standard Poodle
  • West Highland White Terrier
  • Wheaten Terrier

Addison’s Disease in Dogs: Treatment & Long-Term Care

Dogs diagnosed with Addison’s disease have a good prognosis, and most life full, happy, long lives. Dogs with Addison’s disease require lifelong treatment for the condition but can be as easy as a once-a-month injection combined with oral medications, or with oral medications alone. Both options supplement the hormones that your dog’s adrenal glands are unable to produce, and most dogs are able to resume life as usual with treatment.

Addison’s Disease in Dogs FAQ

Does Addison’s disease in dogs come on suddenly, or is the onset prolonged? 

Yes, Addison’s disease can come on suddenly. A sudden onset of symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, and tremors is called an Addisonian crisis and can be life threatening. Other dogs will have milder bouts of these symptoms that are caught by their owners before the issue becomes more serious. 

What is the cost of Addison’s disease treatment in dogs? 

For pet owners managing Addison’s disease in dogs, treatment cost is a huge concern. Therapeutic medications for canine Addison’s disease typically range from $50–$200 per month or around $600–$2,400 annually. 

Is there a cure for Addison’s disease in dogs? 

No. Addison’s disease is incurable, but it can be stabilized and maintained with medication. 

Is Addison’s disease in dogs hereditary? 

Yes, it can be. Some dogs develop Addison’s disease with no family history of the condition while others inherit it from their parents. 

What is the life expectancy of a dog with Addison’s disease? 

When discussing Addison’s disease in dogs life expectancy isn’t often brought up, and that’s for a good reason. Once treated and stabilized, Addison’s disease has little impact on a dog’s lifespan, and most dogs with Addison’s disease have a normal life expectancy. 


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