Zycortal (Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate) Suspension is an injectable treatment prescribed to dogs suffering from a mineralocorticoid deficiency. Commonly, this affects dogs who have been diagnosed with Addison's disease, a condition where the animal's adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Zycortal Suspension serves as replacement therapy, helping the dog fee better. It comes in a 4 mL vial to be injected subcutaneously.How it Works

• It is a corticosteroid with primarily mineralocorticoid activity, which is similar to aldosterone.
• It causes chloride iron and sodium retention in the kidneys and causes excretion of potassium and hydrogen ion, which creates a water absorption-promoting osmotic gradient in the renal tubules. This increases the volume of extracellular fluid, which leads to an increase of cardiac output, an improvement in venous return to the heart, and expansion of blood volume.

Special Precautions

• Safety of Zycortal has not been proven in treating puppies under 6 months old or lactating, pregnant, or breeding dogs.
• Fluid retention caused by sodium retention can cause excessive weight gain.
• Exercise caution when administering to dogs with primary hepatic failure, severe renal disease, edema, or congestive heart disease.
• Zycortal effectiveness may be affected if potassium-sparing diuretics (like spironolactone) are administered concurrently.
• Avoid injecting intravenously. This may have cause an adverse reaction.
• Dogs with inadequate tissue perfusion (Addisonian crisis), prerenal azotemia, dehydration, or severe hypovolemia (blood volume depletion) should be rehydrated using intravenous fluid therapy (saline) prior to starting Zycortal treatment.
• Do not administer to dogs with prior hypersensitivity to desoxycorticosterone pivalate.

Overdose Information

Immediately contact your closest emergency animal hospital or vet.

Side Effects

Zycortal is proven to be well-tolerated with infrequent reports of adverse reaction. However, in a small percentage of dogs, the following side effects could present:

• Reactions at the injection site, such as abscesses or pain
• Weakness
• Changes in coat or skin
• Digestive changes
• Excessive urination or thirst
• Depression
• Cardiac enlargement
• Edema (swelling)
• Increase in blood volume

Some of these reactions could be resolved with interval or dosage adjustments or with administration of concomitant glucocorticoid.Storage

Do not freeze. Store between 15-30°C.
After first puncture, use within 120 days.

Tips

Addison's disease is often referred to as "the great pretender" because it can be difficult to recognize and diagnose. Once it is suspected, a simple ACTH test can confirm the diagnosis. Pet parents should research the signs and symptoms of Addison's disease and inform their pet's veterinarian if they exhibit these symptoms.