Zycortal® Injectable Suspension for Canine Addison’s Disease

Zycortal® is a veterinary mineralocorticoid therapy for dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism. It helps replace aldosterone-like activity to stabilize sodium and potassium. This page explains how it works, who it suits, and how to use it safely. You can access US delivery from Canada, even if you are paying without insurance.

What Zycortal Is and How It Works

This medicine contains desoxycorticosterone pivalate, a long-acting mineralocorticoid. It supports fluid and electrolyte balance in dogs with Addison’s disease. As a DOCP injection for canine Addison’s disease, it is typically given about monthly after stabilization. It does not replace glucocorticoids, so a separate steroid, often prednisone, is usually needed. CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

The treatment is administered by subcutaneous injection. It increases sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys. Your veterinarian adjusts timing and dose based on clinical response and blood electrolyte results.

Who It’s For

This therapy is indicated for dogs diagnosed with primary hypoadrenocorticism. It is not a substitute for glucocorticoid replacement. Dogs with uncontrolled heart disease, edema, or significant kidney impairment require caution because the drug can promote sodium and water retention. Puppies, pregnant, or nursing animals should be assessed carefully by a veterinarian.

The product is a Desoxycorticosterone pivalate for dogs suspension intended for use under veterinary supervision. Cats are not typical candidates. Tell your veterinarian about all existing conditions and current medicines before starting therapy.

Dosage and Usage

Veterinarians often begin with a weight-based dose and then individualize the interval. Injections are given subcutaneously. Electrolytes are checked during the first month and periodically thereafter to guide adjustments. A glucocorticoid is commonly co-prescribed. Do not change the dose or interval without veterinary direction.

Initial follow-up typically includes sodium and potassium checks within two weeks, then again around the end of the first dosing interval. Your veterinarian will set the schedule for Desoxycorticosterone pivalate monitoring intervals based on your dog’s response and lab values.

Strengths and Forms

This medicine is supplied as a multi-dose injectable suspension at 25 mg/mL concentration. Common vial sizes include 4 mL and 10 mL. Availability can vary by pharmacy and over time.

Packaging is intended for multi-use until the in-use period or expiry, as directed on the official label. Your pharmacist can confirm current presentations.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a scheduled injection is missed, contact your veterinarian for guidance. Do not double up. Watch for signs that may indicate electrolyte imbalance such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or tremors. Your veterinarian may recommend lab checks before resuming the usual interval.

Maintain a consistent schedule once stabilized. Keep a calendar or reminder system to prevent gaps that could lead to relapse of Addisonian signs.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store vials at controlled room temperature as directed by the label. Protect from freezing. Keep in the original carton or a light-protective area. Shake as directed before each withdrawal so the suspension is uniform. Always keep medicines out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, carry the vial, syringes, and copies of veterinary prescriptions. Use a sturdy case to prevent breakage and leaks. Pack a small sharps container. Ask your veterinarian for a travel letter if you will carry needles. Do not use the vial if the suspension will not resuspend, appears discolored, or contains large clumps; consult your veterinarian or pharmacist.

For preventive care while traveling, your veterinarian may also recommend parasite control options. See our product pages such as Revolution For Dog for year-round protection guidance.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

This product comes in a vial, not a pen. Before withdrawing each dose, mix the suspension as directed by the label. Use a sterile needle and syringe for each injection. Wipe the vial stopper with alcohol before puncture. Withdraw slowly to reduce bubbles. Confirm dose markings carefully.

Dispose of used needles and syringes immediately in an approved sharps container. Do not recap needles. Follow local rules for sharps disposal. Ask your clinic for a take-back program or guidance on safe disposal in your area.

Benefits

This mineralocorticoid therapy helps maintain sodium and potassium balance in dogs with Addison’s. Many dogs can transition to a stable schedule after an initial adjustment period. Subcutaneous dosing avoids intramuscular injections for most patients. Multi-dose vials can support long-term management under veterinary supervision.

Side Effects and Safety

• Increased thirst or urination
• Edema or fluid retention
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy or weakness
• Behavior changes such as restlessness or panting

Report possible adverse effects promptly. Serious concerns may include hypertension, arrhythmias, electrolyte disturbances, or signs of fluid overload such as cough and breathing difficulty. Overdosage may produce signs consistent with mineralocorticoid excess or alkalosis. For more details on Zycortal side effects in dogs, refer to the official product insert and your veterinarian’s guidance. For vomiting management education, see Cerenia Tablets.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your veterinarian about all medicines and supplements. Use caution with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or other drugs that affect electrolytes or blood pressure. NSAIDs may increase renal risks in susceptible animals. Concurrent glucocorticoids are usually required but should be managed by a veterinarian to avoid excessive steroid exposure. Your veterinarian may monitor renal parameters when other nephroactive drugs are used.

If infection is suspected, antibiotics may be prescribed. For background on common canine antibiotics, see articles such as Clavamox For Dogs and Cephalexin For Dogs.

What to Expect Over Time

Clinical improvement often follows correction of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Ongoing management focuses on keeping sodium and potassium within target ranges and preventing relapses. Your veterinarian may adjust the interval or dose after reviewing lab values and your observations at home. Keep a log of appetite, thirst, activity, and any gastrointestinal signs. Share these notes during follow-ups to aid fine-tuning.

Compare With Alternatives

Another approved mineralocorticoid option is Percorten V, which contains DOCP in a different branded formulation. Some clinicians also consider fludrocortisone tablets, a synthetic corticosteroid with mineralocorticoid activity, particularly when injection access is limited. Your veterinarian will help choose the approach best aligned with your dog’s diagnosis, co-morbidities, and your ability to follow the dosing plan.

Pricing and Access

We list current options so you can review the Desoxycorticosterone pivalate injection price by vial size. Fulfillment includes licensed Canadian pharmacies, with items that Ships from Canada to US. You can review the cash price for Zycortal, compare typical market quotes, and decide what suits your budget.

Savings CTA: Explore Canadian pricing and see potential savings versus typical local costs. Pricing CTA: View live availability and select your vial size to see today’s pricing. For offers when available, check our Promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock can vary by vial size. If the 10 mL is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend the 4 mL vial or another DOCP brand. Ask your veterinarian before switching between products. If access is an issue, your clinic may administer in-house until your order arrives.

You can Order Zycortal 4 mL vial online when prescribed. For broader selection across pet therapies, browse our Pet Medications category.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit dogs with confirmed primary hypoadrenocorticism who can receive periodic injections and monitoring. It may not suit dogs with uncontrolled congestive heart failure or severe renal disease without close oversight. Your veterinarian will decide if this mineralocorticoid is appropriate and whether a glucocorticoid is also indicated.

Cost-saving tips: consider multi-month orders if your prescription allows; ask your clinic to align rechecks with refill cycles; set refill reminders to avoid urgent visits; and discuss training for at-home injections if your veterinarian deems it appropriate. If comparing sources, search using terms like Desoxycorticosterone pivalate 25 mg/mL buy online to understand available DOCP presentations.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Initial plan: target dose, interval, and lab check timing
• Glucocorticoid: which steroid, how long, and what signs to watch
• Monitoring: symptoms that should prompt an unscheduled visit
• Home care: injection technique, mixing steps, and safe disposal
• Comorbidities: kidney or cardiac concerns that change monitoring
• Travel: how to store the vial and carry supplies safely

Authoritative Sources

Ready to proceed? Place your prescription request with US shipping from Canada and prompt, express, cold-chain shipping with temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is educational and not a substitute for your veterinarian’s advice.