Successful management of hypoadrenocorticism in a French Bulldog by a smaller dose and lesser frequency of the desoxycorticosterone pivalate: a case report

Abstract

A 1 year and 4 months old, intact female French Bulldog was presented because of weakness, anorexia, and
vomiting for 3 days. Laboratory findings included azotemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremia, sodium to potassium
(Na:K) ratio was 23.88, and the lower level of basal cortisol concentration than the detection limit. The small size of both
adrenal glands obtained from abdominal ultrasonography. Subsequently, the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
stimulation test was performed, and the diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism was confirmed. The desoxycorticosterone
pivalate (DOCP) with a smaller dose and lesser frequency than the recommendation of 2.2 mg/kg every 25 days. The
dog received DOCP subcutaneous injection at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg initially and followed by 1.37 mg/kg 55 days after
the first injection, 1.37 mg/kg 28 days after the second injection, and more than 84 days after a dose of 1.37 mg/kg of
the third injection. Glucocorticoid administrations were in recommended doses for the whole period of management.
Improvement of clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters of the dog was observed a week later after the DOCP
intervention. A smaller than recommended dose and lesser frequency of the DOCP with prednisolone seems adequate
for controlling clinical problems in the successful management of the hypoadrenocorticism in a French Bulldog.