Breed Health Guide • Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism) in Standard Poodles
Also known as: Addison's
Addison's disease — hypoadrenocorticism — is the inability of the adrenal glands to produce adequate cortisol and aldosterone. Standard Poodles have one of the highest documented breed prevalences. The disease is called 'the great pretender' because it mimics many other illnesses, often delaying diagnosis until an Addisonian crisis brings the dog to the ER.
Why Standard Poodles are predisposed to addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism)
Genetic, likely autoimmune destruction of adrenal cortex. Standard Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, Bearded Collies, and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers have the highest documented breed risks. Onset is typically young to middle-aged (peak 4-6 years). Females are over-represented.
What you'll see at home
- Waxing and waning lethargy
- Vomiting and diarrhea (often intermittent)
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Weakness, especially episodic
- Shaking or trembling
- Increased thirst and urination
- Collapse during stress (boarding, travel, illness) — classic Addisonian crisis trigger
Red flags — go to an emergency vet
- ⚠ Collapse or severe weakness — possible Addisonian crisis
- ⚠ Severe vomiting and diarrhea with dehydration
- ⚠ Slow heart rate with weakness
- ⚠ Hypoglycemia symptoms (disorientation, seizures)
- ⚠ Any acute deterioration in a known Addisonian dog
How vets diagnose addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism)
Bloodwork shows the classic pattern: low sodium, high potassium, sometimes hypoglycemia, often elevated kidney values. Definitive test: ACTH stimulation test (the gold standard). Baseline cortisol can screen out Addison's if normal but cannot confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment options
Acute Addisonian crisis: aggressive IV fluids, IV dexamethasone, correction of electrolyte abnormalities, hospitalization. Maintenance: monthly DOCP injection (Percorten or Zycortal) for mineralocorticoid replacement plus daily oral prednisone for glucocorticoid replacement. Dose adjustments based on regular electrolyte monitoring. Once stable, Addisonian dogs live normal life spans on treatment.
Living with a Standard Poodle who has addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism)
- 1 Monthly DOCP injections (most owners learn to give them at home)
- 2 Daily low-dose prednisone — increase the dose during any stress event (illness, boarding, travel)
- 3 Stress-dose education is critical for owners
- 4 Regular electrolyte monitoring (every 1-3 months initially, then less frequently when stable)
- 5 Medical alert tag identifying your dog as Addisonian — vital if your dog is found alone or in an emergency
- 6 Always have extra prednisone on hand for stress events
- 7 Boarding facilities should know the diagnosis and stress-dose plan
Can RexVet help with this online?
RexVet is well-suited for: refilling prednisone for established Addisonian dogs, coaching on stress dosing, helping with home DOCP injection technique, monitoring symptom changes, and quality-of-life check-ins. Family Plan unlimited messaging works well for chronic disease management.
Start a $64.99 video visit →We cannot draw blood for ACTH stimulation testing or electrolyte panels by video. Acute Addisonian crisis is an emergency requiring immediate in-person IV fluid resuscitation. Initial diagnosis requires in-person workup.
Prognosis — what to expect
Excellent with proper treatment — Addisonian dogs typically live normal life spans. The challenge is the diagnosis (often delayed) and consistent treatment (lifelong DOCP plus prednisone with stress-dose adjustments). Sudden death is uncommon once treatment is established and crisis prevention is in place.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Why is Addison's called 'the great pretender'?
Because the symptoms (lethargy, GI upset, weakness, poor appetite) overlap with many other conditions. Many Addisonian dogs are diagnosed only after presenting in crisis. The waxing-and-waning nature of mild Addison's makes it easy to miss. In an at-risk breed like a Standard Poodle, suspect it early.
Can my Addisonian Standard Poodle live a normal life?
Yes — with proper treatment, life expectancy is normal. The dog needs monthly DOCP injections, daily prednisone, stress-dose adjustments during illness or boarding, and regular electrolyte monitoring. Many Addisonian dogs are completely indistinguishable from healthy dogs once stable on treatment.
Is Addison's disease genetic in Standard Poodles?
Yes — there's a strong genetic component. Standard Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, Bearded Collies, and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers all have elevated breed risk. If you're getting a Standard Poodle puppy, ask the breeder about Addison's screening in the lines.
Further reading from the RexVet blog
Other helpful RexVet resources for Standard Poodles parents
Sources
- ACVIM — Hypoadrenocorticism Consensus
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Endocrinology
- AKC Standard Poodle Breed Page
Last fact-checked: 2026-06-04. Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM.
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