ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/desoxycorticosterone-pivalate
US brand names:Percorten-V, Zycortal
Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate is dosed at 2 mg/kg IM q21d in ferrets, per GoettSD, Degner DA. Suspected adrenocortical insufficiency subsequent to bilateral adrenalectomy in a ferret. Exot DVM. 2003;5(1):15-18. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.948 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 11.8 (Endocrine and Reproductive Disease Agents Used in Ferrets). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Pure mineralocorticoid that replaces aldosterone function, promoting sodium retention and potassium excretion in the distal renal tubule.
Requires concurrent glucocorticoid supplementation (prednisone). Dose and interval adjusted based on electrolytes. PU/PD if overdosed.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Ferret drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 3 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | SC | 2–2.2 mg/kg | q25-30 days | Strong | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.383 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.355, Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP) monograph spanning p.355-357; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Cat (Domestic) | SC | 2–2.2 mg/kg | q25 days | Weak | Reusch C. Hypoadrenocorticism. In: Ettinger S, Feldman E, eds. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine: Diseases of the Dog and Cat. Vol 2. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 2000:1488-1499. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.384 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.355, Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP) monograph spanning p.355-357; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, |
Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.
View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.