How the Drug Works
Percoten is designed to replace the dog adrenal hormones that the dog is not production on its own. In addition, the drug helps your dog's body regulate their sodium and potassium levels. The regulation of the sodium and potassium levels is an important way to control blood pressure and heart and nervous system functions.
How the Drug Is Administered
Percoten-v is an injectable medication. The injection occurs every twenty-five days at your veterinarian's office. Your veterinarian must prescribe the drug. It is not available over the counter. Your dog will need to take an oral steroid in combination with the percoten.
When the Drug takes Effect
Percoten is a fast acting medication in dogs. Most dogs will begin to respond to the medication in 24 to 48 hours. The symptoms exhibited from the addison's disease will begin to diminish in this time.
Side Effects of Percoten
Overall percoten is very safe when properly administered by a veterinarian and in combination with the oral steroid. Side effects can occur, however. In a small percentage of dogs depression, excessive thirst and increased urination occur. Other dogs develop digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. Weakness, skin and coat changes and occasional reaction at the injection site occur. The injection site reactions can include mild pain or abscess. Side effects are often relieved with an adjustment of medication or the frequency of doses.
Dogs Who Should Not Take Percoten
Percoten is effective in treating Addison's disease, but not all dogs are good candidates for the medication. Dogs who are pregnant or have heart disease not good candidates for the drug treatment. Dogs with edema or renal disease are also not dogs that should take percoten. Dogs who appear to have renal issues may still qualify for percoten treatment. Veterinarians will attempt to hydrate dogs with renal issues by giving them fluid subcutaneously. If the hydration is successful then the treatment with percoten can begin. If the veterinarian cannot stabilize the renal issues, then the treatment with percoten for the dog's Addison disease will not begin.
Science completely backs the practice of using percoten to treat Addison's disease in dogs. Based on clinical trials, treatment for canine Addison's disease with the drug percoten is very effective. Two of the most recently completed studies resulted in efficacy of 96% and 100% in the dogs treated with percoten. With limited side effects and high efficacy, the treatment of canine Addison's disease with percoten is the go to treatment for most veterinarians.