Addison's Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Costs 

Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is a condition that develops when there’s a decreased production of hormones in the adrenal glands. It’s an incurable disease in dogs that requires lifelong treatment.¹

While Addison’s disease can be potentially fatal, the good news is that upon diagnosis, most cases can be effectively managed. Dogs who receive proper treatment typically live long and fulfilling lives.¹

The cost of treatment for Addison’s disease can vary, but on average costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars annually.²

MetLife Pet Insurance can reimburse vet bills for Addison's disease diagnoses and treatments. Get your free pet insurance quote.

Want to learn more? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about Addison’s disease.

What Is Addison’s Disease in Dogs?

Unlike Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism), which is the overproduction of adrenal hormones, Addison’s disease is characterized by a deficiency of hormone production.¹

A dog’s adrenal glands sit near the kidneys. Their main function is to produce hormones — like aldosterone and cortisol — that play a huge part in regulating your pup’s bodily systems and internal organs. When these essential hormones are lacking, it can lead to Addison’s disease.^1,3

In most cases, the cause of Addison’s disease remains unknown. However, veterinarians believe there are some potential causes, including:⁴

• Autoimmune disorders that destroy adrenal tissue
• Overzealous treatment of Cushing’s disease with drugs that suppress adrenal gland activity too much
• A tumor that has spread to the adrenal glands
• Genetics (some breeds may be predisposed)

Addison's Disease in Dogs: Treatment Costs

When estimating the cost of treating Addison's disease, factors such as the severity of the condition, the treatment plan, and the age and size of your dog all play a significant role. You also have to consider the cost of regular vet visits and blood work, which varies based on your specific vet, and the cost to treat or manage any affiliated health conditions.

Depending on your specific situation, the costs for managing and treating Addison’s disease can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. This may involve regular check-ups, blood tests, hormone replacement medications, and emergency care.²

These prices can quickly add up — but luckily, pet insurance can help you lighten the financial load.

What Are the Early Symptoms of Addison's Disease in Dogs?

The clinical signs of Addison's disease in dogs can be difficult to diagnose right away. It mimics those of other diseases so well that it’s nicknamed “the great imitator.”⁴

Some of the early signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease may include:^1,5,2

• Depression
• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Reduced appetite
• Increased thirst and urination
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Dehydration

The later stages of the disease can include symptoms like:^1,5

• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Low blood pressure
• Intermittent shaking
• Irregular heart rate

These clinical signs can appear suddenly and then ebb and flow. They can also worsen when a dog is experiencing stressful conditions because the adrenal glands aren’t producing enough cortisol to manage it.⁴

What is an Addisonian crisis?

Sometimes, the disease is severe enough to cause an Addisonian crisis — an episode when a dog may suddenly appear weak, experience severe vomiting or diarrhea, and might collapse as their body goes into shock.³

Immediate hospitalization and veterinary treatment are needed if this takes place because it can be life-threatening. Many dogs are diagnosed with Addison’s disease when they experience an Addisonian crisis.⁴

Which dog breeds are prone to Addison’s disease?

Addison’s disease can develop in dogs of any breed (purebred or mixed), age, or sex. But it’s most common in females and young to middle-aged dogs.¹ While Addison’s disease doesn’t discriminate, certain dog breeds are more susceptible to developing the disease, including:⁴

• Bearded collies
• Great Danes
• Soft-coated wheaten terriers
• West Highland white terriers
• Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers
• Portuguese water dogs
• Standard poodles

How Do Vets Diagnose Addison’s Disease?

Because Addison’s disease is “the great imitator,” clinical signs won’t be enough to make a diagnosis.⁴ A veterinarian diagnoses using your dog’s history, routine blood work, a full physical examination, and the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test.^1,3 However, a pet in an Addisonian crisis receives immediate treatment before diagnostic testing takes place.⁴

The ACTH stimulation test is used to definitively diagnose Addison’s disease. To perform this test, a veterinarian measures blood cortisol levels in your dog before and after administering ACTH intravenously. ACTH is naturally produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol in times of stress.¹

Cortisol levels that are low before ACTH stimulation and barely budge afterward indicate Addison’s disease. Routine blood work can detect Addison’s disease by way of an aldosterone deficiency if results show decreased sodium and increased potassium levels.⁴

Addison’s Disease in Dogs: Treatment Options

If your dog has an Addisonian crisis, they receive immediate treatment to stabilize their body, and then treatment for managing the disease can begin.⁴ If they don’t experience a crisis, treatment that manages the disease will begin after their diagnosis.

There’s no cure for Addison’s disease.¹ Treatment includes lifelong medication to replace the missing glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Medications usually include oral medicines or injections given approximately once a month supplemented with a daily steroid, like prednisone.^3,4

Your veterinarian will come up with the right treatment plan for your pup. Don’t try to adjust your dog’s medication on your own — it’s very important to follow your vet’s instructions exactly as they’re given.

Addison’s Disease Management and Prognosis

Managing Addison’s disease is a lifelong commitment. Once treatment begins, ACTH stimulation testing and electrolyte blood testing are done shortly after (and continue at different intervals for the first few months) to adjust the medication dosage for your dog’s specific needs.⁴

Following that, you may need to bring your dog in once a month for a shot for replacement hormones.⁴ Minimizing stress is another important aspect of managing this disease, as it can help support the regulation of your puppy's immune system.

After diagnosis and the right treatment plan is found, the life expectancy for dogs with Addison’s disease is about the same as a dog without Addison’s, provided their condition continues to be well-managed.¹

Consider Investing in Dog Insurance

Emergency vet bills and lifelong medication costs can take a toll on your finances and add up quickly. Consider investing in a dog insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance. Policies may help cover costs so you can focus on giving your dog the best life. Get your free quote today.