Symptoms of Addison’s Disease in Dogs

Dog Breeds

Addison’s disease in dogs is treatable and an afflicted dog can lead a healthy life once the condition is treated. The problem is that the disease is extremely difficult to spot because its symptoms match those of several other common ailments.

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Introduction

Addison’s disease is an endocrine disorder caused by inadequate production of mineralocorticoid and/or glucocorticoid hormones by one or both of the adrenal glands. While the signs of this disease are nonspecific and can be caused by a number of other disorders, watchful owners normally are able to spot the symptoms of Addison’s in their pets, even though they may not know what is causing those symptoms to occur. If left untreated, or if diagnosis is delayed, Addison’s can become life-threatening. This is primarily due to elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia) and low sodium levels (hyponatremia), which can cause serious and acute dehydration, blood volume depletion and problems with the heart and other organs. Called an “Addisonian crisis,” these symptoms are essentially the same as those described below; they are just much more severe. If an Addisonian crisis is not treated immediately and aggressively, it may be fatal.

Symptoms of Addison’s Disease

Symptoms of Addison’s disease typically wax and wane and can range from mild to moderate to extremely severe. These signs tend to be episodic and become more frequent and severe when affected animals are under stress. They typically include one or more of the following:

Another possible sign is when a dog deviates unexpectedly from normal activities for no apparent reason. For instance, if a dog shies away from jumping on a couch or bed that it usually jumps on happily, the owner should take note, because pain and muscle weakness can accompany Addison's disease. Obviously, all of these signs are somewhat vague and are commonly ascribed to many other common disorders. The signs normally become progressively frequent and increasingly severe over time, as the dog’s body becomes damaged from the effects of the disorder. One of the hallmarks of Addison's disease is that affected dogs' signs worsen with stress. By the time a dog is diagnosed with Addison’s, emergency medical treatment is usually necessary. Once the dog has been stabilized, proper assessment can be made and proper treatment protocols can be prescribed.

Predispositions

Addison’s disease is most common in young to middle-aged female dogs averaging from 4 to 6 years of age, although dogs of any age or gender can be affected. It is unclear whether there are definitive breed predispositions to this disease. However, some authorities suggest that Great Danes, West Highland White Terriers, Bearded Collies, Standard Poodles, Rottweilers, Basset Hounds, Labrador Retrievers, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Leonbergers, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and Portuguese Water Dogs are at an increased risk. A genetic component to developing Addison’s is strongly suspected.

Diagnosis and Tests

Overview and Facts