Some illnesses in dogs are loud and obvious. Addison’s disease is not one of them. Often called “The Great Pretender,”Addison’s disease can mimic a wide range of more common conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis and unnecessary suffering.
At Norgate Animal Hospital, we’ve seen how tricky this condition can be to identify—especially because the symptoms are vague and come and go. But with the right care, dogs with Addison’s can live full, happy lives.
What Exactly Is Addison’s Disease?
Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, occurs when your dog’s adrenal glands stop producing enough essential hormones—mainly cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones are critical for regulating metabolism, blood pressure, electrolytes, and the body’s response to stress.
When those hormones go missing, things start to fall apart internally. But it doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, the signs show up slowly, subtly—until suddenly, your dog is in a crisis.
Symptoms That Can Fool Even The Most Observant Owner
The challenge with Addison’s disease is that the symptoms are incredibly nonspecific. They come and go, mimic other problems, and don’t always seem connected. Some of the most common signs include:
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Lethargy or weakness
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Decreased appetite
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Vomiting and diarrhea (especially recurring)
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Weight loss
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Shaking or shivering
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Increased thirst and urination
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Collapse during times of stress
These symptoms might look like gastrointestinal issues, kidney problems, or even just a bad day. But if they keep returning, there’s a good chance something deeper is going on.
At Norgate Animal Hospital, we always keep Addison’s in mind when we see vague, repeat symptoms—especially in younger or middle-aged dogs.
When A “Bad Day” Becomes An Emergency
One of the most dangerous aspects of Addison’s is what’s known as an Addisonian crisis. This is a sudden, life-threatening episode where the dog collapses due to shock caused by dangerously low sodium, high potassium, and low cortisol levels.
This condition can strike after a stressful event—like surgery, travel, or even a vet visit. Without immediate treatment, it can be fatal.
The good news? Once Addison’s is correctly diagnosed and treated, most dogs bounce back beautifully. But timing is everything.
How Addison’s Disease Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing Addison’s isn’t always straightforward. It usually begins with blood tests that show abnormal electrolytes—especially low sodium and high potassium levels. These red flags often lead us to run a baseline cortisol test or the more specific ACTH stimulation test, which evaluates how well the adrenal glands respond to stimulation.
At Norgate Animal Hospital, we’re equipped to run these diagnostics quickly and interpret them with your dog’s unique history in mind. We’ve caught cases of Addison’s in dogs who had been misdiagnosed for months elsewhere.
Life After Diagnosis: What Management Looks Like
Once a dog is diagnosed with Addison’s, treatment typically includes:
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Daily medication: Most dogs need oral hormone replacements for life.
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Injectable medications: Some require monthly injections for aldosterone support.
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Monitoring and adjustments: Regular checkups and bloodwork help ensure dosage stays correct, especially during stressful periods.
The majority of dogs do extremely well once treatment begins. They get their energy back, stop vomiting, and become their old selves again. It’s always rewarding to see the turnaround—and it’s one of the reasons we’re so passionate about early diagnosis at Norgate Animal Hospital.
Trust Your Instincts—And Your Vet
If your dog seems “off” and the symptoms don’t quite add up—or keep coming back despite treatment—it’s worth asking your vet whether Addison’s could be the cause. You don’t need to diagnose it yourself, but bringing up the possibility can prompt the right testing.
At Norgate Animal Hospital, we’re here to dig deeper when symptoms are stubborn or confusing. We believe in listening to both you and your pet—and we never dismiss a pattern just because it’s hard to pin down.
To schedule an exam or talk through your concerns, give us a call at 604-980-2222. Addison’s disease may be a great pretender, but with the right care, your dog doesn’t have to suffer in silence.
