Zycortal® Suspension for Canine Addison’s Disease

Zycortal® is a veterinary mineralocorticoid replacement used to manage primary hypoadrenocorticism in dogs. It supports stable electrolytes so your pet can maintain daily routines. This page explains how it works, who it suits, and how you can place an order with US delivery from Canada, including options for Zycortal without insurance.

What Zycortal Is and How It Works

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing. This medicine contains desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP), a long-acting mineralocorticoid. It replaces the hormones missing in Addison’s disease, helping the body regulate sodium and potassium. The treatment is given by injection and is usually paired with an oral glucocorticoid as directed by your veterinarian. By maintaining electrolyte balance, dogs often show improved energy, hydration, and appetite over time. Learn more about the condition in our Addison Disease category.

Who It’s For

This therapy is indicated for dogs diagnosed with primary adrenal insufficiency. It is not intended for cats or other species. Zycortal for dogs with Addison’s is started after a veterinarian confirms the diagnosis and rules out other causes of electrolyte changes. Avoid use in animals with known hypersensitivity to DOCP. Caution is advised in dogs with significant edema, uncontrolled kidney issues, congestive heart failure, or high blood pressure. Discuss pregnancy and lactation considerations with your veterinarian before starting this treatment.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized and based on the dog’s weight, clinical status, and laboratory monitoring. Injections are administered by a veterinary professional, or by trained caregivers if your veterinarian deems home administration appropriate. The maintenance interval is typically every few weeks, adjusted according to follow-up electrolyte results. Do not change the dose or timing without veterinary guidance. Your care team will monitor sodium and potassium and may adjust either the amount given or the interval between injections.

For owners trained to give doses at home, shake the vial gently as instructed and follow aseptic technique. Use sterile syringes and needles, and follow your veterinarian’s site-rotation recommendations to reduce local irritation. If you ever notice unusual swelling, pain at the injection site, or changes in drinking or urination, contact your clinic promptly. Ask your veterinarian for a written plan that outlines when to return for bloodwork and how to track your dog’s symptoms between visits, as adherence supports stable control of the condition. Talk with your care team about Zycortal dosage for dogs in the context of your pet’s specific needs, and always defer to the official label for detailed directions.

Strengths and Forms

This product is supplied as an injectable suspension for dogs. Availability may vary by pharmacy partner and over time.

• Zycortal Suspension 25 mg/mL in multi-dose vials; your veterinarian will determine the appropriate volume.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a scheduled injection is missed, call your veterinarian for instructions. Do not double a dose without guidance. Keeping a calendar reminder helps maintain consistent intervals and smoother control. If your dog becomes ill, has vomiting, diarrhea, or sudden lethargy before a planned dose, contact the clinic rather than self-administering. Your veterinary team may recommend blood tests sooner to ensure safe timing of the next injection.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store vials at room temperature within the range stated on the official label. Keep the bottle upright, tightly closed, and protected from excessive heat or freezing. Do not use if the suspension appears abnormal or if the vial is damaged. Keep out of reach of children and pets. When traveling, pack medicines in your carry-on with a copy of your prescription and veterinary contact details. Use a sturdy case to prevent breakage, and avoid leaving the vial in a hot car. Pharmacies and clinics may provide written documentation for airport screening; ask ahead of time. As an added safeguard, our site uses encrypted checkout to help protect your information.

Benefits

This mineralocorticoid therapy can help dogs with Addison’s maintain stable electrolytes and hydration. Many pets show steadier appetites and improved activity once levels are controlled. The long-acting schedule reduces daily pill burden for mineralocorticoid replacement. Pairing this injection with an oral glucocorticoid is commonly recommended by veterinarians. Regular monitoring allows adjustments that support sustained, individualized control. Consistency with dosing schedules and follow-up visits can make ongoing care feel more predictable for you and your dog.

Side Effects and Safety

Potential reactions can occur with any prescription. Common issues may include increased thirst or urination, changes in appetite, or mild injection-site reactions. Some dogs may experience gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting or soft stool, especially during early adjustments. Talk with your veterinarian about Zycortal side effects in dogs and what to watch for at home.

• Drinking or urinating more than usual
• Changes in appetite or body weight
• Injection-site swelling or tenderness
• Upset stomach, soft stool, or vomiting

Serious but less common concerns include fluid retention, hypertension, or significant electrolyte shifts. Dogs with underlying heart, kidney, or liver disease may need closer follow-up. Contact your veterinarian immediately for severe lethargy, collapse, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration. If your dog receives additional medications during illness, your prescriber may adjust the plan temporarily. For vomiting prevention during flare-ups, your vet may consider supportive options like Cerenia Injection.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your veterinarian about all medicines and supplements your dog takes. Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or other therapies that affect electrolytes may require extra monitoring. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can impact kidney function and should be used under veterinary guidance in this setting. Oral glucocorticoids are commonly co-prescribed; your clinician will calibrate that dose during stress or illness. Avoid over-the-counter additions without consulting your veterinary team. If your dog has a history of heart disease, edema, or kidney issues, your prescriber may tailor monitoring frequency and follow-up lab work accordingly.

What to Expect Over Time

During initial treatment, veterinarians often check electrolytes at scheduled intervals, then space out visits once stable. Many dogs gain energy and maintain better hydration as mineralocorticoid levels are balanced. You may notice smoother routines, steadier appetite, and improved tolerance for exercise. The maintenance interval can vary; expect your clinician to refine timing based on bloodwork and clinical signs. Keep a simple log of drinking, urination, appetite, and activity. Bring that record to appointments so your team can personalize the plan. If illness or stress occurs, your veterinarian may advise temporary changes to the companion glucocorticoid only.

Compare With Alternatives

DOCP injections are one standard approach for long-acting mineralocorticoid replacement. An oral alternative is fludrocortisone acetate, which also provides mineralocorticoid effects but requires daily dosing and careful monitoring. Another DOCP brand, Percorten-V, may be used by some veterinarians. Your clinic will consider your dog’s response, caregiver preferences, and access when choosing a regimen. If your dog struggles with injections, a switch to an oral option may be discussed. Conversely, if daily tablets are difficult, your clinician may prefer the long-acting injection.

Pricing and Access

We aim to make treatment planning straightforward for caregivers comparing options. Check the current Zycortal price on this page to understand how Canadian pharmacy partners can help. Our listings reflect Canadian pricing with US shipping from Canada when you place a valid prescription order. If you are looking for seasonal offers, see our Promotions page for any current notices. For broader pet-care needs, browse our Pet Medications catalog.

To compare endocrine care topics across species, you can explore our article resources, such as Insulin For Dogs and Types Of Insulin. While these articles discuss diabetes rather than Addison’s, they may help you think about long-term medication routines and monitoring with your veterinary team.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by distributor and region. If a vial is temporarily unavailable, your veterinarian may suggest a clinically appropriate alternative or a bridging plan. Ask whether an oral option such as fludrocortisone is suitable for your dog if injections must be delayed. At this time, availability of a Zycortal generic is limited; veterinarians typically use brand-name DOCP products. You can also review country-of-origin details in our Canada section when browsing related listings.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are dogs with confirmed primary hypoadrenocorticism whose caregivers can maintain regular follow-up and monitoring. It may not be appropriate for dogs with significant edema, uncontrolled heart failure, or certain kidney problems without tailored oversight. Discuss pregnancy and nursing considerations before starting therapy. If you and your clinician decide injections at home are feasible, ask for clear training and sharps guidance.

• Multi-month planning: request coordinated refills to reduce clinic visits
• Refill reminders: set phone alerts or calendar notes
• Travel prep: carry prescriptions and clinic contacts
• Monitoring plan: confirm lab schedules in advance

For nausea during acute setbacks, your veterinarian may prescribe supportive care. If vomiting is a concern, talk about options beyond mineralocorticoid replacement. When browsing treatments, our Addison Disease collection can help you find condition-related information quickly.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• How will you tailor the starting dose and the maintenance interval?
• What signs at home should prompt an earlier check-in?
• Which lab markers guide adjustments and how often are they checked?
• What companion glucocorticoid will my dog take and when?
• Could any current medicines interact with this therapy?
• What is the plan if a dose is delayed due to travel or illness?
• When should I call the clinic about side effects or electrolyte concerns?

Authoritative Sources

Dechra: Zycortal Product Information

FDA CVM: Zycortal FOI Summary

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? Place your prescription order today for temperature-controlled handling when required and prompt, express shipping. Ships from Canada to US. This page provides general information and is not a substitute for your veterinarian’s advice. Always follow your clinician’s instructions and the official label.