VCA Specialty Animal Hospitals
South Shore (Weymouth) Animal Hospital
595 Columbian St
So. Weymouth, MA 02190
781-337-6622
781-337-0069 Fax

Owner Copy

Zoey Bird

Addison's Discharge Instructions:

Please read the provided handouts on Addison's disease. There are also many websites and discussion groups online for pet owners.

Handout: Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's Disease) in Dogs by Dr. Bari Spielman

Addison's Disease is treated by replacing the two types of hormones that Zoey's adrenal glands have stopped producing.

Prednisone (5mg). Give 1 tablet orally once daily for 2 days. Then decrease the dose to ½ tablet orally once daily. This dose of steroid may be eventually decreased to ¼ tablet once daily depending on your veterinarian's discretion.

This medication is a steroid. At higher doses, it can cause increased thirst, urination, hunger, and GI upset. Long term use can cause liver changes. However, since we are simply replacing the amount of steroid that Zoey should normally have, you should not see those side effects. If you note any of these you should see your veterinarian for possible dose adjustments.

Prednisone will be a lifelong medication. You should never skip a dose or stop this medication.

If you anticipate a stressful situation for Zoey, such as having many people in your home, you should double her dose of Prednisone that morning (1 tab.).

DOCP – Injection give once every 21 – 30 days.

This medication replaces the hormone that controls salt balance in the body. The average dog needs an injection every 25 – 28 days, however, every dog is different. Zoey must be monitored very closely over the next few months to determine her appropriate interval.

Follow up care.

If Zoey is doing very well at home, you must make an appointment to see your veterinarian in 21 days from her DOCP injection and bloodwork. This injection was given on 8/27/06. Please bring the medication with you. Based on her physical examination and bloodwork (electrolyte test – ISTAT) that day, your veterinarian will determine if she needs a DOCP injection that day. If she does not, she will return 7 days later (day 28 from th previous injection). This schedule will continue for several months.

For the first 2 months, she will need to visit the veterinarian often to stabilize her treatment regimen. However, in the future these injections are something that you can manage at home.

Monitoring:

At home you must watch Zoey closely for any signs that her hormone balance has become unstable. Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, inappetence, shivering excessively, and excessive thirst can all be signs of an Addisonian crisis. If you note any of the above, you should see a veterinarian immediately.

At home if you anticipate a stressful event, please give Zoey 5 mg (1 tab) of Prednisone orally.

Please call if you have any questions or concerns.