Desoxycorticosterone pivalate in the management of canine primary hypoadrenocorticism

Primary hypoadrenocorticism in dogs may be poorly responsive to oral fluorocortisone treatment. Desoxycorticosterone pivalate is a suggested alternative treatment in these and all other cases of hypoadrenocorticism. Primary hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed in a 3-year-old Cocker Spaniel bitch. Treatment with oral fluorocortisone at a dose rate of 0.13 mg 5 kg-1 d-1 was ineffective at maintaining serum electrolyte concentrations within normal limits. Administration of DOCP at a dose of 1.6-2.2 mg kg-1 intramuscularly every 28 d over a 5-year period, successfully maintained normal serum sodium and potassium concentrations. Side-effects encountered were minimal and were dose- or disease-related.