The use of desoxycorticosterone pivalate in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism: a retrospective study of eight cases

Abstract

In this article, the use of desoxycorticosterone pivalate is retrospectively reviewed in eight dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism, presented at the Small Animal Department of Ghent University. The results showed that desoxycorticosterone pivalate provided adequate mineralocorticoid replacement in all cases, also in the dogs that had previously been treated with fludrocortisone acetate. A starting dosage of 1.5 – 2.2 mg/kg SC was used, with a fixed dosing interval of 28 days in most of the cases. Each time, prednisolone was added to the therapy as glucocorticoid supplementation. No side effects related to desoxycorticosterone pivalate therapy were noted and all owners were satisfied with the treatment consisting of desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisolone.