Zycortal® Injectable Suspension for Dogs with Addison's Disease

Zycortal is a prescription injectable suspension for canine primary hypoadrenocorticism. This page explains how it works, who it suits, and practical use, with US delivery from Canada. It also outlines ways to plan costs without insurance.

What Zycortal Is and How It Works

CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

Zycortal® contains desoxycorticosterone pivalate, a long-acting mineralocorticoid. It replaces aldosterone activity to help regulate sodium, potassium, and fluid balance in dogs with Addison’s disease. The suspension is typically administered by a veterinarian as a subcutaneous injection. As a desoxycorticosterone pivalate injection, it supports electrolyte normalization when used with a daily glucocorticoid as directed by your veterinarian.

This medicine’s effect is sustained, so dosing is spaced to maintain stable electrolytes. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule and monitor response, especially early in treatment. Use only for dogs, and only with veterinary supervision.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for dogs diagnosed with primary hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease). It replaces mineralocorticoid activity when the adrenal cortex cannot produce enough aldosterone. A DOCP injection for dogs may be appropriate when your veterinarian confirms mineralocorticoid deficiency and prescribes it as part of a long-term plan.

Dogs with significant heart disease, uncontrolled kidney conditions, or edema require special caution because mineralocorticoid therapy can influence fluid status. Do not use in dogs with known hypersensitivity to any component. Safety in pregnant or breeding animals has not been fully established; your veterinarian will weigh potential risks and benefits.

For broader context on the condition, see our resource on Canine Addison’s Disease.

Dosage and Usage

The dose and interval are individualized. Your veterinarian typically gives an initial dose, then adjusts based on clinical signs and electrolyte results. Many dogs receive an injection approximately every few to several weeks, but only your care team can set the schedule. The Zycortal suspension should be shaken thoroughly to resuspend the medication; allow any foam to dissipate before drawing the dose into a sterile syringe.

Typical administration is subcutaneous. Strict sterile technique helps reduce injection site issues. Do not inject intravenously. Dogs usually also receive an oral glucocorticoid; your veterinarian will provide that plan. Keep a treatment log that records dates of injections, observed signs, drinking and urination patterns, appetite, and any concerns to review at rechecks.

If your veterinarian teaches at-home administration, confirm needle size, syringe type, and injection sites. Rotate sites to reduce local irritation. Dispose of used syringes in a proper sharps container according to local regulations.

Strengths and Forms

This medicine is an injectable suspension supplied in a multi-dose vial. Commonly published presentation: Zycortal 25 mg/mL in a 4 mL vial. Actual pack sizes may vary by pharmacy and region.

Availability can change. Your pharmacist will dispense what is in stock and consistent with your prescription.

Missed Dose and Timing

If an injection is delayed, contact your veterinarian. Do not double doses. Your care team may recommend electrolyte testing before resuming or adjusting the next dose. Watch for signs of relapse such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced appetite, and seek veterinary guidance promptly if they occur.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store vials at controlled room temperature as stated on the label. Keep the container tightly closed and upright. Do not freeze. Protect from extreme heat and direct light. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

For travel, carry the vial in protective packaging and bring a copy of the prescription and your veterinarian’s instructions. Use a travel case that shields glass from impact. Pack syringes separately in a sealed pouch. If you fly, keep the medicine in your carry-on and allow extra time at security for medication screening. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian for a letter summarizing the need for an injectable suspension for dogs with Addison’s disease.

To learn about other vet-prescribed injectable therapies and handling tips, you can review Cerenia for Pets.

Benefits

By replacing mineralocorticoid activity, this medicine supports normal sodium and potassium balance. It helps maintain hydration, blood pressure, and overall stability in dogs with Addison’s disease. When paired with a prescribed glucocorticoid, the treatment can reduce relapse risk and help dogs resume daily routines.

Veterinarians value the sustained action, which allows scheduled injections rather than multiple daily mineralocorticoid tablets. Many owners find clinic-administered dosing easier to manage over time. Zycortal for dogs is part of a comprehensive plan that includes regular rechecks and careful observation at home.

Side Effects and Safety

• Increased thirst and urination
• Facial or limb puffiness
• Injection site discomfort
• Changes in appetite
• Soft stool or diarrhea

Serious effects are uncommon but can include electrolyte imbalance, fluid overload, or blood pressure changes. Dogs with underlying heart or kidney disease may be more sensitive. Contact your veterinarian urgently for severe vomiting, collapse, labored breathing, sudden coughing, or marked swelling. Your veterinarian may adjust timing or dose based on examination and lab results.

If your dog receives other medications, review them with the care team at each visit. Report supplements, over-the-counter products, and diet changes, as these can affect electrolytes or blood pressure.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Caution is warranted with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, and other agents that influence renal perfusion, electrolytes, or blood pressure. Spironolactone may antagonize mineralocorticoid effects. Other corticosteroids are typically co-administered under veterinary direction for glucocorticoid support; do not start or stop steroids without guidance. Discuss any history of heart disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, or electrolyte disorders with your veterinarian before treatment.

Keep your veterinarian informed if your dog starts new therapies for skin, pain, or infections. For example, see our overview of anti-itch therapy in Apoquel for Dogs and common antibiotic choices in Clavamox for Pets.

What to Expect Over Time

Early in therapy, your veterinarian may check electrolytes and clinical signs to fine-tune dosing intervals. Many dogs settle into a steady routine once a maintenance plan is established. Owners often track appetite, energy, thirst, and urination to spot trends between visits. Consistency with injections, glucocorticoid dosing, and follow-up testing supports stable control.

If your dog’s environment or diet changes, notify your veterinarian. Heat, strenuous activity, and stressors can influence steroid needs. Your care team can help adapt the plan when circumstances shift.

Compare With Alternatives

Another mineralocorticoid option is DOCP branded for veterinary use as Percorten-V. It serves the same therapeutic role and is considered when your veterinarian recommends a specific product or formulary source. Some dogs use oral fludrocortisone instead, although it provides both mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid activity, which may or may not suit individual needs. Your veterinarian will advise which pathway fits your dog’s history, monitoring preferences, and response.

Pricing and Access

We offer Canadian pricing with US shipping from Canada, subject to a valid prescription. For savings, compare per-milliliter value across vial sizes and consider refill coordination to reduce clinic visits. If you pay a cash price or plan to pay out of pocket, reviewing current promotions may help. Encrypted checkout is used to protect your information.

To review product costs, check Zycortal Canadian pricing and see how it compares with clinic dispensing. If your veterinarian administers injections in-clinic, ask about coordination so you can bring your vial to scheduled appointments. If you see a coupon advertised elsewhere, confirm validity and expiration before relying on it.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by pharmacy. If this item is temporarily unavailable, your veterinarian may recommend an alternative mineralocorticoid or an interim plan. Do not switch products without veterinary guidance, as dosing and monitoring may differ across brands and formulations.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are dogs with confirmed primary hypoadrenocorticism who can attend regular monitoring. Dogs with significant heart or kidney disease may require closer supervision. Not for use in cats. Owners should be comfortable tracking signs and attending scheduled checks.

• Multi-month planning: discuss aligning vial use with your injection calendar
• Refill reminders: set alerts a week before the next dose window
• Care bundling: coordinate bloodwork and injections in one visit when feasible
• Travel prep: carry prescriptions and dosing notes to avoid missed injections

For a broader view of companion-animal therapies carried on our site, browse our Pet Medications category.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Diagnosis details: what tests confirmed primary hypoadrenocorticism?
• Dose plan: how will the interval be adjusted after the first injection?
• Monitoring: when should electrolytes be rechecked during maintenance?
• Co-therapy: what glucocorticoid and dose will be used long term?
• Safety: which signs suggest fluid overload or electrolyte imbalance?
• At-home steps: can I be trained for safe subcutaneous injections?
• Travel: how should I plan dosing around trips or boarding?

Authoritative Sources

Dechra Product Information

FDA Animal Drugs Listing

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? You can place an order with prompt, express shipping and temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is educational and does not replace your veterinarian’s advice.