Addison's disease in dogs
The adrenal glands produce too little of key hormones like cortisol. Signs are often vague, including weakness, vomiting, weight loss and lethargy, and can escalate into a life-threatening crisis. It is manageable for life with medication.
4 of the 155 breeds we track are commonly associated with Addison's disease, including Bearded Collie, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Portuguese Water Dog. Across these breeds median lifespans range from 13.0 to 13.9 years.
Addison's disease in dogs: quick facts
- Type
- metabolic condition
- Breeds affected
- 4 of the 155 breeds we track
- Severity (as scored)
- Major-welfare or life-threatening
Plain-English definitions of these terms are on the glossary. On the Breed Health Score, Addison's disease is weighted as a major-welfare or life-threatening condition, so breeds it commonly affects carry a larger hereditary-burden deduction. This describes how our data weights the condition, not a diagnosis.
Breeds commonly associated with Addison's disease (4), ranked by health score
Related metabolic conditions
Products that may help
General care products for dogs prone to Addison's disease. Browse on Amazon → Ad
Note. Breed associations are compiled from RVC VetCompass / AKC / PDSA and are indicative, not a diagnosis or veterinary advice. Browse all conditions or the breed directory.