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Posted: 20th May 2021

Study reveals insights into Addison's disease in dogs
This study provides representative and relatable information for vets working in primary-care practice in the UK.
Researchers analysed electronic records of patients under primary care in the UK

The first-ever epidemiological study on hypoadrenocorticism - also known as Addison's disease - in dogs under UK primary care has found that the most common signs of the condition are lethargy, anorexia and vomiting. 

Scientists identified 177 dogs diagnosed with hypoadrenocorticism from more than 900,000 electronic patient records of practices participating in the UK VetCompass programme during 2016. Less common signs highlighted by the study were diarrhoea (45.5%), weakness (37.9%) and weight loss (28.8%).

Hyperkalaemia was reported in 47 of 53 cases, while hyponatraemia was recorded in 46 of 53. The findings are published in the latest issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP).

Study author Imogen Schofield said: “By presenting epidemiological data on dogs with hypoadrenocorticism attending primary-care practice, this study provides representative and relatable information for vets working in primary-care practice in the UK. It should be borne in mind that diagnostic and clinical management data were reported for laboratory-confirmed cases only.

“Breed, age, neuter status and insurance status were all associated with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. The standard poodle had 51.38 times the odds of hypoadrenocorticism compared with crossbreeds. The labradoodle (OR: 7.40) and West Highland white terrier (OR: 5.84) also had increased odds.”

JSAP editor Nicola Di Girolamo added: “This is the largest study to date to provide benchmark data on hypoadrenocorticism in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. 

"Given that the frequency of hypoadrenocorticism has rarely been reported, it is typically difficult to diagnose due to the non-specific clinical signs associated with the disease, and many previous studies have focussed on referral populations. This is a welcome publication adding to the evidence base of an important topic.” 



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