Zycortal Injectable

Giving your pet an injection might feel intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes routine. Follow these steps for safe and stress-free injections.

Get Your Supplies Ready

1. Medication vial or pre-filled syringe
2. Alcohol swabs
3. Sterile syringe & needle (if not pre-filled)
4. Sharps container for safe needle disposal

Drawing Up the Dose (if needed)

1. Clean the vial top with an alcohol swab
2. Attach needle to syringe
3. Pull in air equal to the dose
4. Insert needle into vial, push air in
5. Draw out the correct dose
6. Tap out air bubbles

Pick the Injection Site

1. Subcutaneous (under the skin): Loose skin between shoulder blades or side
2. Intramuscular (into muscle): As directed by your vet

Prep the Area

1. Pinch a fold of skin to form a “tent” (for subcutaneous). Wipe with alcohol if recommended.

Inject the Medication

1. Hold the syringe like a pencil
2. Insert the needle into the base of the skin tent at a 45° angle
3. Push the plunger slowly to inject

After the Injection

1. Remove the needle smoothly
2. Place it immediately in the sharps container (don’t recap)
3. Pat the area and give your pet praise or a treat

Safety Tips

1. Never reuse needles
2. Always dispose of used needles properly
3. Ask your vet for help if unsure

Desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP), commercially available as Zycortal, is a mineralocorticoid utilized for hormonal management. It is a prescription medication available as an injectable suspension for use in dogs, requiring professional guidance from a licensed veterinarian. It is frequently considered in the context of Addison's disease for patients presented with mineralocorticoid deficiency.

The actions described here reflect the product's FDA-approved labeling; your veterinarian determines the appropriate use for your animal.

Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring.

At a pharmacological level, it manages the body's balance of sodium and potassium by acting on the renal tubules. Commonly observed effects include behavioral shifts such as increased thirst and urination and localized changes at the injection site. Because it influences electrolyte status, your veterinarian will perform regular blood tests to monitor for observational signs of physiological stability. It is important that this medication is administered at specific intervals to manage the hormonal balance. Owners should monitor for unusual lethargy and contact their veterinarian promptly.