Vetoryl for dogs is a veterinary drugwhich is primarily used in the treatment of what is known as Cushing’s syndrome.
The active ingredient trilostane helps if there is an overactive adrenal gland associated with the disease.
The following article tells you what you need to consider when using and dosing as well as the side effects.
Vetoryl for dogs: what it is and what it is used for
Vetoryl for dogs is a veterinary medicine used in an existing hyperactive adrenal gland in the dog is administered.
Such hyperadrenal hyperfunction is almost always associated with canine Cushing’s syndrome.
Already knew?
Certain dog breeds are particularly affected by Cushing’s syndrome, including dachshunds, beagles, terriers and schnauzers.
Vetoryl for dogs contains the active ingredient trilostane, which belongs to the group of steroids and thus to cortisone.
It helps to inhibit an enzyme that is responsible for the formation of the three hormones cortisol, aldosterone and corticosterone in the adrenal gland.
The drug is available in the form of hard capsules. The trilostane strengths can look like this:
- Vetoryl 5 mg
- Vetoryl 10 mg
- Vetoryl 30 mg
- Vetoryl 60 mg
- Vetoryl 120 mg
Proper use and dosage of Vetoryl in dogs
The right Vetoryl dosage for your dog lies at 2 mg trilostane per kilogram body weight of your furry friend.
This is the starting dosage, which can also be adjusted to 6 mg trilostane per kg body weight during the course of treatment.
IMPORTANT
Please do not ever use any veterinary medicine on your own! An application can only be decided by a veterinarian, as well as the correct dosage.
The application is once a day. The dog gets the correct Trilostan dose or amount of Vetoryl together with the food.
How fast does Vetoryl work in dogs?
Until you can see the first real improvements in your dog, usually elapse between 3 and 6 months – before that there is no significant effect.
In addition, there are several check-ups at the veterinarian during treatment with Vetoryl.
They usually take place at intervals of ten days, four and twelve weeks. Here the dosage is checked and adjusted if necessary.
Further examinations in the course of Vetoryl treatment then take place every three months.
What side effects can Vetoryl cause in dogs?
Steroids can cause side effects in many dogs, including: vomiting and diarrhea express – so also Vetoryl for dogs or Trilostan.
Furthermore, the following side effects can occur as a result of Vetoryl administration in dogs:
- Fever
- Tremble
- cramps
- weakness
- loss of appetite
- Cardiovascular problems
Please always keep a close eye on your dog’s reactions.
Vetoryl treatment should be stopped immediately, especially if symptoms affect the nervous and circulatory systems.
You should then take your dog to the vet as symptomatic treatment of side effects may be required.
Another important tip for you: Long-term therapy with cortisone can have serious long-term health effects.
This is the case with Vetoryl, as unfortunately Cushing’s syndrome is not always a curable disease. The drug is thus part of the dog’s everyday life to a certain extent.
Please discuss this with the vet beforehand – and address any concerns you have about your dog being treated with steroids and cortisone.
When should I not use Vetoryl on my dog?
Vetoryl should not be used in dogs if the following health problems present:
Dogs that weigh less than three kilograms should also not be treated with Vetoryl for dogs.
Pregnant or lactating bitches should not be treated with Vetoryl for dogs at all. Breeding dogs are also excluded from therapy with the drug.
Where can I buy Vetoryl for dogs?
You can only get Vetoryl for dogs in pharmacies or directly from your veterinarian.
As a cortisone/steroid, the active substance is one of the veterinary medicinal products that require a prescription and are therefore subject to prescription.
The costs you incur here depend on the trilostane concentration. The prices for a pack of 30 tablets can be as follows:
- Vetoryl 5 mg: around €54
- Vetoryl 10 mg: around €65
- Vetoryl 30 mg: around €88
- Vetoryl 60 mg: around €118
- Vetoryl 120 mg: around €168
What alternatives are there to Vetoryl for dogs?
Alternatives to Vetoryl for dogs can be drugs such as ketoconazole or metyrapone, which unfortunately also belong to the cortisones/steroids.
So far, however, Vetoryl is considered the main drug used in the treatment of Cushing’s syndrome.
The treating veterinarian knows whether there is an alternative for your dog and what it can be.
Again, please do not decide on your own which veterinary medicine and in what dosage could be the right one for your furry friend!
Finally, a tip: Some home remedies can alleviate the symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs.
You can find out what these are in our guide to Cushing’s syndrome in dogs: 5 home remedies that really help.
Is your dog being treated with Vetoryl? What are his and your experiences? We would be happy if you share your experiences and other tips with us in the comments.