Yes, Addison's disease in dogs commonly comes and goes, often presenting as a "waxing and waning" illness where symptoms appear, disappear, and reappear over weeks or months. These episodes, often triggered by stress, can include intermittent vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

Can Addison's symptoms in dogs come and go?

Also known as Addison's disease, the clinical signs may appear as vague signs of illness that come and go. However, if a dog's hormone levels become critically low, Addison's disease can become an acute and life-threatening condition.

What causes Addison's disease to flare up in dogs?

The immune system then attacks and damages the adrenal glands. Though much more rare, dogs can also suffer from Addison's Disease due to damage to adrenal glands as a result of trauma, infection or treatment for Cushing's disease. A secondary type of Addison's can be caused by a defect or tumor in the pituitary gland.

Do Addison's symptoms come and go?

Symptoms tend to come and go and may include abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue, weight loss, salt cravings, and darkening of the skin.

What can mimic Addison's disease in dogs?

vulpis infections are reported as causing hyponatremia and hyperkalemia [4–7]. Although this kind of syndrome (pseudo-Addison disease) due to T. vulpis infection has been reported, its pathogenesis is not well understood. The symptoms mimic those of Addison's disease with waxing and waning weakness.

Addison's disease in the dog. Dr. Dan explains symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

What are the red flags of Addison's disease?

Red flags for Addison's disease include extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, darkening skin (hyperpigmentation), salt cravings, low blood pressure (causing dizziness), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can worsen into a life-threatening adrenal crisis with severe pain, confusion, and shock. These symptoms often develop slowly but can appear suddenly during stress or illness, requiring immediate medical attention.

How long can a dog stay on prednisolone?

A dog can be on prednisone for a short duration (days to weeks) for acute issues or long-term (months to life) for chronic conditions, but longer use increases serious risks like Cushing's disease, diabetes, ulcers, and weakened immunity, necessitating careful vet monitoring with regular bloodwork, typically every 3-6 months for long-term cases to manage benefits vs. risks. 

Can Addison's disease fluctuate?

Early morning serum cortisol and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels are measured. Plasma ACTH is much higher in individuals with AD (>22 pmol/L) and morning serum cortisol levels are usually low (<83nmol/L) but can fluctuate.

What is the age of onset for Addison's disease in dogs?

Addison's disease afflicts more female dogs than male dogs, with between 64% and 70% of reported cases being female. The average age at presentation is 4 years although there is a wide reported age range (4 months to 14 years). There are several overrepresented breeds with HOAC, some with genetic predisposition.

What causes Addison's disease to flare up?

Complications of Addison's disease

During adrenal crisis your symptoms get worse very quickly. This can be triggered by things like an infection, an accident or injury, or surgery.

What not to feed a dog with Addison's disease?

Avoid low-protein diets unless your vet advises it for another medical condition (like kidney disease). Dogs with Addison's often have low sodium and high potassium levels. Their treatment usually addresses this, but it's wise to avoid low-sodium dog foods and consult your vet before adding supplements.

What breeds of dogs are prone to Addison's disease?

While any dog can get Addison's disease, certain breeds have a higher genetic predisposition, including Bearded Collies, Standard Poodles, Great Danes, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs, and West Highland White Terriers, with Rottweilers, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, and Leonbergers also being overrepresented. It's an endocrine disorder where adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones, often striking young to middle-aged female dogs.
 

Why do dogs with Addison's shake?

This hormonal deficiency can result in low blood sugar and abnormal levels of potassium and sodium in the blood. It is common for dogs with Addison's disease to shake or tremble in addition to experiencing weakness and lethargy.

How do dogs act with Addison's disease?

In the early stages of Addison's disease, dogs may develop depression or become lethargic. They are unwilling to get up and play like they might have once been, and they are less interested in spending time with the family or doing their favorite activities.

Can Addisons be misdiagnosed in dogs?

Addison's disease is notoriously difficult to recognize. Dogs have vague clinical signs that mimic other conditions such as kidney and intestinal disease, causing veterinarians to refer to the disease as “The Great Pretender.” Addison's can go undetected for years.

How to prevent Addison's crisis in dogs?

Preventing Future Addison's Disease Crisis

Preventing an Addisonian crisis requires consistent medication administration and regular veterinary monitoring. Never miss doses of prescribed medications, as these replace the hormones your dog's body cannot produce naturally. Keep extra medication on hand for emergencies.

How often do dogs with Addison's disease need blood work?

Blood tests looking at electrolyte and kidney enzyme levels are initially tested once every 1 to 2 weeks, and then when the dog is stabilised once every 3 to 4 months. The mineralocorticoid dose will be increased when the sodium level is low and potassium level is high.

What are the early signs of Addison's?

Symptoms of Addison's disease

• fatigue (lack of energy or motivation)
• lethargy (abnormal drowsiness or tiredness)
• muscle weakness.
• low mood (mild depression) or irritability.
• loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss.
• the need to urinate frequently.
• increased thirst.
• craving for salty foods.

How quickly does Addison's progress?

Addison's disease symptoms usually happen slowly, often over months. The disease may happen so slowly that people who have it might ignore the symptoms at first. Physical stress such as an illness or injury can make symptoms get worse fast.

What can mimic Addison's?

The diagnosis may be delayed if the clinical presentation mimics a gastrointestinal disorder or psychiatric illness. We report a case of Addison's disease presenting as acute pain in abdomen mimicking clinical presentation of acute pancreatitis.

What are the 5 S's of Addisonian crisis?

Consider the 5 S's for the management of adrenal crisis: Salt, sugar, steroids, support, and search for a precipitating illness (usually infection, trauma, recent surgery, or not taking prescribed replacement therapy)

What is a natural alternative to prednisone for dogs?

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as found in Celavin™, may be a great natural alternative to anti-inflammatory medications like prednisone.

Can dogs take gabapentin and prednisone together?

If a dog on prednisone needs additional pain management, medications like gabapentin for dogs can be safely used with steroids in lieu of NSAIDs.

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