Dechra Veterinary Products has published a new series of video presentations about the diagnosis and treatment of canine hypoadrenocorticism to help veterinary surgeons who are prescribing Zycortal for the condition.

The six videos, which were recorded by Dechra's technical team, range in length from 10 minutes to 37 minutes.

Episode one describes the pathophysiology of Addison’s disease, different types of Addison’s disease and helps veterinary surgeons recognise the common clinical presentations of chronic hypoadrenocorticism.

Episode two examines the similarities in clinical presentation between hypoadrenocorticism and other disease processes.

The third episode looks at the changes commonly seen in the haematology, biochemistry and urinalysis of Addison’s patients. This section also covers how to perform and interpret hormone testing with the knowledge of the common causes of false positive results.

The fourth looks at a clinical presentation of an acute Addisonian crisis and best practice for emergency treatment of these patients, as well as the transfer of an acute patient onto maintenance treatment with Zycortal.

The final two films explore the treatment and monitoring of a patient on Zycortal and how to switch existing Addisonian patients from fludrocortisone acetate to Zycortal. It also documents the help which is available for those more complex cases.

Dechra Brand Manager Craig Sankey said: "These short films are an important support tool for any veterinary professional who is treating patients with hypoadrenocorticism or who may be presented with cases in their practice.

"Addison’s disease can be very hard to diagnose as it mimics so many other illnesses and we hope these presentations will give insights into a complex disease. The introduction of Zycortal has been a vital development in the treatment of the disease and we hope the new resources will be beneficial to veterinary professionals."

The presentations complement resources that Dechra has already produced for dog owners, including a website -www.myaddisonsdog.co.uk - which provides information and resources to help dog owners understand the condition and monitor their pet's progress.

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