Vetoryl for Dogs | Buy Vetoryl Capsules | Vetoryl Side Effects

How is Vetoryl supplied?

Vetoryl comes in the following size capsules:
Vetoryl 10mg capsules, pack of 30
Vetoryl 30mg capsules, pack of 30
Vetoryl 60mg capsules, pack of 30
Vetoryl 120mg capsules, pack of 30
Normally one or more capsules is given each day so that your dog receives the correct dose. It is important not to open or split the capsules, as the contents should not be allowed to contact you or your own food. Vetoryl is a powerful drug and should be handled with care. Children and pregnant women should be especially careful about this. Anyone handling the capsules should wash their hands with soap and water afterwards. Vetoryl capsules should be given in the mornings, so that when blood tests are required to monitor progress, these can easily be performed at the correct time (usually 4-6 hours after taking the daily dose).

How does Vetoryl work?

Vetoryl contains the drug trilostane (similar to mitotane). This acts to inhibit the release of corticosteroid hormones from the adrenal glands. Cushing's disease (also known as Cushing's Syndrome, or hyperadrenocorticism) is a condition where abnormally large amounts of corticosteroid hormones (mostly cortisol) are released from the adrenal glands into the blood stream. These steroids serve an important function in normal healthy individuals, and are extremely important in low levels. Cushings's disease involves abnormally large amounts of steroid being released, causing a variety of problems. These include and excessive thirst and hunger, so affected individuals drink and urinate large amounts, and often become overweight. This especially affects the abdomen, giving a pot-bellied appearance.  (This is made worse by an enlarged, fatty liver, which is another feature of the disease.) There are often changes to the skin and coat, with thin or bald areas developing over the body. Upon starting treatment, the levels of steroid in the blood stream decline quite quickly, so the excess thirst and hunger soon reduce, but the coat can take some weeks to start to improve.

What are the Vetoryl Side Effects?

There are many potential problems associated with Vetoryl and these should be considered by you and your vet before starting treatment. However it is true that the vast majority of dogs respond well and do not suffer any untoward effects. It is important to follow the treatment plan carefully and the effects monitored periodically using blood tests and clinical examinations from your vet.
Some of the problems associated with Vetoryl are caused simply by the reduction in steroid levels. The body gets used to the steroid levels present and starts to rely on them. Suddenly taking away high levels can cause trouble in itself, such as digestive upsets, inappetance and lethargy. Most dogs affected by Cushing's disease are at least 10 years old, so they might have other health concerns already. Dogs with primary liver disease or reduced kidney function are particularly at risk if given Vetoryl and so are not recommended for treatment. Dogs with diabetes mellitus (which can sometimes be associated with Cushing's disease) require especially careful monitoring of treatment, though this remains potentially very effective. Dogs with anaemia or certain blood disorders might be made worse by Vetoryl. There are no particular interactions with other drugs normally given to dogs, your vet should always be told if you are giving any other form of treatment to your dog. Some dogs will become sensitised to Vetoryl and will not be able to tolerate it at all in future. This can happen to people who handle the drug (usually causing a skin reaction) which is one reason why capsules should not be opened and why you should wash your hands even after handling the unopened capsules. A very small number of dogs will show a marked reaction to Vetoryl and sudden death has been reported on rare occasions. Using a powerful medication like Vetoryl should not be started without an accurate diagnosis and careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits. Cushing's disease left untreated is not a great danger in the short term, but tends to be a progressive disease causing a steady reduction in quality of life. In most cases, treatment is well worth giving despite any initial concerns and difficulties.

Where can I buy Vetoryl?

Vetoryl can be purchased online from Viovet.co.uk, the trusted supplier of medication and a vast range of other pet care products. A prescription from your vet is required before medication can be sent out. This will be provided by your vet on request, though may well be charged for.