Dechra Veterinary Products has launched 5 mg Prednicortone (prednisolone) which can be split into increments of 1.25 mg using SmartTab technology.

Dechra says the ability to split Prednicortone into 1.25 mg doses is particularly useful when used alongside Zycortal, the only licensed treatment for canine Addison’s disease in Europe.

Dechra Brand Manager Carol Morgan said: "Dogs with primary Addison’s disease have insufficient levels of natural mineralocorticoids (primarily aldosterone) and glucocorticoids (primarily cortisol). Zycortal contains DOCP, a synthetically produced steroid hormone, which acts in a similar way to aldosterone.

"It causes sodium retention and potassium excretion, helping to maintain water balance but Zycortal only replaces the mineralocorticoid. Therefore, a daily oral glucocorticoid treatment, such as Prednicortone, is needed to address the cortisol deficiency, alongside Zycortal.

"The amount of glucocorticoid administered should be adjusted to the individual dog’s need and it is likely that the dose required will be reduced over time."

She added that a combined approach of Zycortal and Prednicortone allowed independent dose titration of both mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids.

"The advantage of prescribing the two treatments is that the dosage for each component can be tailored to an individual animal’s response. This leads to a reduction in the side effects usually associated with over-supplementation of glucocorticoids."

There are 250 tablets in a pack and Prednicortone offers accurate dosing using a double divisible SmartTab format and accurate dispensing via blister packs. The flavoured tablets also encourage easy oral administration.

For more information, visit www.dechra.co.uk.

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