Use of ketoconazole to treat dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism: 48 cases (1994-2007).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of ketoconazole as a treatment for dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH).


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
48 client-owned dogs in which PDH was diagnosed.


METHODS
Medical records of dogs with PDH that were treated with ketoconazole were examined. Data collected from each record included signalment, clinical signs, results of ACTH stimulation tests before and after treatment with ketoconazole, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, dosage of ketoconazole, clinical response, and survival time.


RESULTS
43 of 48 (90%) dogs had evidence of clinical improvement during the treatment period. In all dogs, treatment with ketoconazole resulted in significantly lower serum cortisol concentrations as measured before and after ACTH stimulation testing; 69% (33/48) of serum cortisol concentrations measured after ACTH stimulation were within the reference range. Serum ALP and ALT activities significantly decreased after treatment with ketoconazole. Survival time after diagnosis of PDH ranged from 2 to 61 months (mean, 26.9 months; median, 25 months).


CONCLUSIONS
Ketoconazole was a safe and effective option for treating dogs with PDH. Additional research is needed to evaluate the effects of long-term treatment with ketoconazole on adrenal glands.
Lien
Yu-Hsin
YH
Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei.
Huang
Hui-Pi
HP
D000304:Adrenal Cortex Function Tests / Q000662:veterinary; D000308:Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007654:Ketoconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007654:Ketoconazole; D006854:Hydrocortisone