• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Veterinary Clinics Conference
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• 2007.05a
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• pp.116-116
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• 2007

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.472-475
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• 2009

A 3-year old, female Cocker Spaniel dog was referred to Seoul National University Hospital for Animals with depression and vomiting. The dog was diagnosed as hypoadrenocorticism based on the typical electrolyte alteration and the result of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. Initial treatment with oral fludrocortisone at a dose rate of 0.02 mg/kg/q24h for 6 weeks period was ineffective at maintaining serum electrolyte concentrations within normal limits. Although a dose rate of oral fludrocortisone was significantly increased up to 0.06 mg/kg/q24h during 24 weeks period, the treatment was still ineffective. Moreover, the patient showed side effects related to the glucocorticoid excess including PU/PD, weight gain and lipemia. After alternation with desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP, 2.2 mg/kg, IM) every 25 day, the clinical signs was disappeared and the electrolyte balance was maintain with no side effect. Therefore, DOCP may be suggested as an effective drug in canine hypoadrenocorticism uncontrolled with oral fludrocortisone.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.144-148
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• 2022

A one-year-old spayed female Korean Shorthair cat presented to Kangwon National University Veterinary Hospital with vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, loss of appetite, and polyuria that lasted for more than two weeks. The body condition score, blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature were abnormally low, and the physical examination findings were consistent with moderate dehydration. Hematological and biochemical tests demonstrated mild azotemia and a low Na:K ratio. Additional abdominal ultrasound imaging revealed reduced size of both adrenal glands. The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test showed decreased post-ACTH cortisol and aldosterone levels and increased endogenous ACTH levels, confirming a diagnosis of primary hypoadrenocorticism. The cat was treated with subcutaneous injections of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) and oral prednisolone supplementation, and subsequent electrolyte analysis showed a normal Na:K ratio. Clinical symptoms were also improved in response to treatment. Hypoadrenocorticism in cats is a very rare disease, but it should not be excluded as a potential diagnosis in favor of kidney diseases or other conditions, especially when the Na:K ratio is low. In addition, the prognosis for the disease and the response to DOCP treatment should be further evaluated in cats.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Veterinary Clinics Conference
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• 2008.05a
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• pp.83-83
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• 2008

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.244-248
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• 2011

Hypoadrenocorticism results from the deficient adrenal gland production of glucocorticoids or mineralocorticoids. Fludrocortisone have been used for the management of hypoadrenocorticism in dogs. But desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) have been administered for management of hypoadrenocorticism in dogs since several years because of the equivalent effect of fludrocortisone, and lessening of owner and patient's effort. The therapy of DOCP was evaluated in 14 dogs diagnosed with hypoadrenocorticism based on clinical signs, an electrolyte imbalance, and the results of an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. DOCP was administered at 25-day intervals at an initial dose of 2.2 mg/kg. The dogs were monitored for clinical signs and serum electrolyte, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine concentrations every 25 days. Fludrocortisone was an effective treatment in dogs overall; however, a change to DOCP was necessary in 7 dogs because of adverse effects or poor responses. Another 7 dogs were treated with DOCP from the first time. A total of 14 dogs were treated with DOCP. Clinical signs and electrolyte imbalance resolved completely in 12 dogs. However, mild clinical signs, such as shivering, remained in 2 dogs, and 4 dogs required regular supplementation with prednisone. Improvements in clinical signs and electrolyte imbalance were significantly better after treatment with DOCP than with fludrocortisone. The results suggest that DOCP may be a better choice than fludrocortisone for the management of hypoadrenocorticism in dogs.