PDH is caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary gland, causing overstimulation of the adrenal gland. This overstimulation leads to excessive cortisol or Cushing’s disease. Roughly 85% of dogs with Cushing’s syndrome developed this due to PDH. Often seen in veterinary practices as Vetoryl, trilostane is a synthetic enzyme inhibiting drugs used to lower the production of cortisol hormone. This drug will help manage the disease and its associated symptoms, however, it will not cure the disease.
Side effects attributed to this medication include appetite, lethargy, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea. Since trilostane blocks hormones produced in the adrenal gland, dogs are at an increased risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and weakness. This should be used with caution in animals with liver problems.
Treatment dosing often starts at 1-3mg/lb. or 2.2-6.7mg/kg daily dosing in dogs. This dosing can be in divided doses or daily and usually given with food. This medication previously could only be accessed through veterinarians. However, Pharmacy Solutions can now access the base powder to compound either capsules or suspensions specific to the weight based individualized dosing for specific animal. We also tailor flavors for suspensions to provide optimal satisfaction such as chicken, peanut butter and beef.