Plasma cortisol concentrations in normal dogs given hydrocortisone sodium succinate.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects on plasma cortisol concentration of a continuous infusion of a readily available steroid with equipotent glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid effects.


METHODS
Plasma cortisol concentrations were measured before and regularly after hydrocortisone sodium succinate was administered as a continuous intravenous infusion over 6 h at 0.32 and 0.65 mg kg-1 h-1 to 12 healthy dogs weighing 12 to 22 kg.


RESULTS
The infusion at both does rates produced significant and stable increases in plasma cortisol concentrations. The plateau concentrations produced by the large and small doeses were respectively above and below plasma cortisol concentrations likely to provide adequate glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity in stressed dogs with significantly decreased adrenal function.


CONCLUSIONS
This paper presents information regarding the changes in plasma cortisol concentrations in 12 normal dogs given an hydrocortisone sodium succinate infusion at two dose rates. The marked and continuous increase in plasma cortisol concentrations suggests a continuous HSS infusion may be a possible alternative to desoxycorticosterone acetate and dexamethasone in the treatment of acute adrenal dysfunction.
Church
D B
DB
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Sydney.
Lamb
W A
WA
Emslie
D R
DR
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004285:Dogs / Q000097:blood*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood* / Q000494:pharmacology; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; C007133:hydrocortisone hemisuccinate; D006854:Hydrocortisone