Journal Scan: Bigger dogs may need less trilostane to control hyperadrenocorticism
New research shows sensitivity to trilostane may increase as body weight increases.
What they did
In a retrospective study, researchers evaluated 70 dogs with naturally occurring pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) being treated with trilostane.
What they found
Dogs weighing > 66 lb (30 kg) required less trilostane to control their clinical signs. The results did not achieve statistical significance, but a trend suggested that as body weight increased, the relative amount of trilostane needed to control signs decreased. The researchers also found that only 11% of dogs required more than 3 mg/kg/dose to control their disease-the manufacturer's recommended initial dose is 3 to 6 mg/kg once daily.
Take-home message
Sensitivity to trilostane may increase as body weight increases, so larger dogs with PDH may require lower relative doses of trilostane. Additionally, study data suggest that the initial dosage recommendation of 3 to 6 mg/kg/day be reconsidered.
Feldman EC, Kass PH. Trilostane dose versus body weight in the treatment of naturally occurring pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2012;26(4):1078-1080.
Link to abstract: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2012.00956.x/abstract
