Get Advice from a Vet

ASK A VET

Veterinarian, DVM, MBA

Get free advice on diet, health, fitness, and wellness questions within 3 business days via email.

Same-Day Online Vet Appointments

Enjoy a 30-minute veterinary consultation from the comfort of home, starting at $55.

Addison's Disease in Dogs and Cats

Ask the Vet

Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Back to results

Enter Your Information All fields are required

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

Name *

Email *

Category *

Pet Type *

Topic *

Question *

*Please note: Questions submitted and the answers will appear on our website as a benefit to all pet owners. Please make sure not to include any personal information in the box where you enter your question.

Ask the Vet

Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Got questions? Ask Dr. Lindsay & our Vet Team:

Do these answer your question?

Showing of | See All

Have another question, or can’t find your answer?

Submit your question

We're Sorry!

There is no answer related to your question

Can’t find your answer?

Submit your question

Category

Addison's Disease Allergies Anal Sac Inflammation Anxiety Arthritis Asthma

Behavior Bladder Stones

Coronavirus Cancer Congestive Heart Failure Corneal Ulcers Coughing Cushing's Disease

Dehydration Dental Diabetes Diarrhea Digestive Distemper Dry Eye

Ear Care Ear Infections Ear Mites Epilepsy Eye

Fatty Tumors Feline Leukemia First Aid and Safety Fleas and Ticks Fungal Diseases Food

Glaucoma

Hair Loss Heartworm Disease Hip Dysplasia Horse Horse Lameness Horse Ulcers Hot Spots Hyperthyroidism Hypothyroidism Holistic

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Joints

Kennel Cough Kidney Disease Kidney Stones Kitten

Limping Liver Disease Lyme Disease Lymphoma

Mange Medication Miscellaneous Motion Sickness

Neutering Nutrition

Obesity

Pain Parvovirus Pet Supplies Poisoning Puppy

Rabies

Seasonal/Holiday Seasons Senior Pets Separation Anxiety Skin and Coat Spaying Submissive Urination Supplements Special Needs Pets Surgery

Toxicity Thyroid Problems

Unexplained or Unhealthy Weight Urinary Tract

Vaccinations Schedule Vaccine Reaction Vision Vomiting

Worms

Back

What is Addison's disease?
Addison's Disease is a deficiency of cortisol (a glucocorticoid) and/or aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid). The deficiency can be caused by faulty brain (pituitary) signals to the adrenal glands or by faulty adrenal glands. Cortisol and aldosterone deficiencies cause the levels of sodium and potassium to be abnormal.

Key facts about Addison's disease in dogs and cats

Addison's disease is a rare disease.
Although it is rare, Addison's Disease in dogs and cats is sometimes difficult to diagnose.

Both dogs and cats develop Addison's disease, and the following breeds have a higher incidence than normal of canine Addison's Disease:

Great Danes
Rottweilers
Portuguese Water Dogs
Standard Poodles
West Highland White Terriers
Wheaten Terriers

Recommended pet medications for dogs and cats with Addison's disease:

Why is Addison's disease bad for my pet?
Addison's disease can be fatal. The adrenal hormones (cortisol and aldosterone) that are diminished with Addison's Disease are necessary for maintaining normal health, including blood pressure, kidney filtration, and a strong heartbeat. Without cortisol and aldosterone, your pet will be weak and may vomit. Their heart won't beat normally; they can shake, and become dehydrated. If your pet is not treated with fluids and cortisol, he or she may die.

Tip

Pets diagnosed with Addison's Disease will generally require lifelong treatment.