Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How long dogs take to stabilize on fludrocortisone
By Roberts, E et al.·Published in The Veterinary record·2016·Small Animal Hospital, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Factors that affect stabilisation times of canine spontaneous hypoadrenocorticism.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 50 dogs with a condition called hypoadrenocorticism (which means their adrenal glands aren't working properly) were treated with a medication called fludrocortisone acetate. The average time for these dogs to stabilize, meaning they showed no symptoms and had normal electrolyte levels, was about three months. However, dogs that were switched from taking fludrocortisone once a day to twice a day stabilized about a month later. Additionally, those receiving another medication called prednisolone alongside fludrocortisone stabilized faster. This suggests that continuing prednisolone until the dog is stable is beneficial, and adjusting the fludrocortisone dosage may help if the dog isn't improving.
People also search for: dog adrenal gland disease treatment · hypoadrenocorticism symptoms in dogs · fludrocortisone for dogs · prednisolone for dog stabilization
Abstract
The objective of this retrospective study was to examine factors that may have affected the stabilisation times of 50 dogs with spontaneous hypoadrenocorticism that were being treated with fludrocortisone acetate, with particular emphasis on dosing frequency and the concurrent use of prednisolone. Stabilisation was defined as an absence of clinical signs with a sodium:potassium ratio >27:1 and both electrolyte concentrations within a laboratory reference range. It was found that the median time till stabilisation was three months. The frequency of fludrocortisone treatment (once, twice or changed from once to twice a day) had no effect on the stabilisation time. The two groups of dogs that were started and stabilised on once a day or twice a day dosing had a median stabilisation time of two months. However, dogs that failed to stabilise on once a day dosing of fludrocortisone and were then changed onto twice a day dosing then stabilised a median of one month later. Concurrent use of prednisolone resulted in significantly faster stabilisation times. It was concluded that dogs with hypoadrenocorticism should be continued on prednisolone therapy until they are stabilised. If a dog is failing to stabilise on once a day fludrocortisone acetate, a change to twice a day administration could be considered.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27269282/