Treatment of canine hypoadrenocorticism with microcrystalline desoxycorticosterone pivalate

The efficacy of a microcrystalline desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) injection in the management of canine hypoadrenocorticism (CHAC) was investigated in 21 dogs. On day 0 dogs previously diagnosed with CHAC were given a physical examination and an injection (2.2 mg/kg) of DOCP. This was repeated on days 25 and 50. On day 75 of the study a final physical examination was performed and the success of therapy was evaluated. Blood samples were obtained for serum chemical analysis (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^-, BUN & creatinine) on day 0 and day 75. Body weight increased steadily from a mean (±sd) of 25.5 ± 14.2 kg on day 0 to 27.1 ± 14.8 kg on day 75. The mean serum biochemistry values on day 0 were outside normal limits for Na⁺ (139.3 ± 9.2 mEq/l), K⁺ (5.4 ± 0.9 mEq/l), and Na⁺ K⁺ ratio [ (26.4 ± 4.8) 1]. On day 75, after three injections of DOCP, the values for Na⁺ (148.2 ± 5.2 mEq/l), K⁺ (4.9 ± 0.6 mEq/l), and Na⁺ K⁺ [ (30.8 ± 4.2) 1] were normal and significantly (P < 0.01) different from the values on day 0. All dogs in the study did well on DOCP therapy. The few side effects observed resolved with concomitant administration of prednisolone and/or adjustment of the DOCP dose. All clients elected to continue DOCP therapy after the trial ended, and the dogs continue to do well.