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Plasma cortisol concentrations in normal dogs given hydrocortisone sodium succinate
D B Church1, W A Lamb, D R Emslie
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Sydney.
Australian Veterinary Journal
|June 22, 1999
Summary
Continuous hydrocortisone sodium succinate (HSS) infusion significantly increased plasma cortisol in healthy dogs. This suggests HSS may be a viable alternative for treating acute adrenal dysfunction in stressed animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute adrenal dysfunction requires effective treatment to manage glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiencies.
- Hydrocortisone sodium succinate (HSS) is a readily available steroid with both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of continuous HSS infusion on plasma cortisol concentrations in healthy dogs.
- To determine if HSS infusion can achieve therapeutic cortisol levels.
Main Methods:
- Twelve healthy dogs received intravenous HSS infusions over 6 hours at two dose rates (0.32 and 0.65 mg kg-1 h-1).
- Plasma cortisol levels were measured before and at regular intervals during and after the infusions.
Main Results:
- Both HSS infusion rates led to significant and sustained increases in plasma cortisol concentrations.
- Higher infusion rates produced plateau cortisol levels that exceeded those needed for stressed dogs with adrenal insufficiency.
Conclusions:
- Continuous HSS infusion effectively elevates plasma cortisol in healthy dogs.
- HSS infusion presents a potential alternative to current treatments like desoxycorticosterone acetate and dexamethasone for acute adrenal dysfunction.