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)/l]. 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)/l] were normal and significantly (P less than 0.01) different from 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.