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2025 Canadian Guide: Top 5 Prescription Adrenal Replacement & Corticosteroid Therapies for Dogs (Florinef, Percorten-V, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, Cortrosyn) - Expert Picks, Dosing and Monitoring Insights

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2025

This category covers prescription adrenal replacement treatments and corticosteroid medications used by Canadian veterinarians to manage hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease), adrenal insufficiency, and inflammatory disorders in dogs. It explains typical agents, common dosing strategies, monitoring approaches, and how clinicians balance efficacy, safety and owner convenience. Canadian pet owners and clinicians tend to favor therapies with predictable pharmacology, clear monitoring protocols (electrolytes, renal function, blood pressure) and reliable availability through veterinary channels or licensed online pharmacies. Cost, dosing frequency (injectable versus oral), and regional access also shape consumer preferences in Canada, where many owners prioritize long-term stability and straightforward follow-up care.

Quick Menu

1. Best for Mineralocorticoid Replacement

2. Best Long-Acting Injectable DOCP

3. Best Oral Glucocorticoid — Prednisolone

4. Best High-Potency Glucocorticoid

5. Best for ACTH Stimulation Testing

1
BEST FOR MINERALOCORTICOID REPLACEMENT

Florinef Acetate 0.1mg

Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate) 0.1 mg

Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate) 0.1 mg is an oral mineralocorticoid with intrinsic glucocorticoid activity commonly used for canine adrenal replacement when owners prefer daily at‑home dosing. Compared with Percorten‑V injectable it offers combined mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid effects without clinic visits, but typically incurs higher ongoing pill costs and relies on strict owner adherence; versus pure glucocorticoids like prednisolone and dexamethasone it uniquely provides mineralocorticoid support needed in Addisonian dogs.

4.4
★★★★☆
  • Stabilizes electrolytes

  • Pocket-sized powerhouse

  • Stabilizes electrolytes

  • Pocket-sized powerhouse

Review Summary

88%

"Owners report Florinef reliably controls Addisonian symptoms with steady daily dosing; some note the need for electrolyte monitoring, occasional side effects, and moderate cost."

  • Keeps tails wagging

  • Oral fludrocortisone for long-term mineralocorticoid support in hypoadrenocorticism.

  • Keeps tails wagging

  • Oral fludrocortisone for long-term mineralocorticoid support in hypoadrenocorticism.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate) 0.1 mg is an oral mineralocorticoid with intrinsic glucocorticoid activity commonly used for canine adrenal replacement when owners prefer daily at‑home dosing. Compared with Percorten‑V injectable it offers combined mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid effects without clinic visits, but typically incurs higher ongoing pill costs and relies on strict owner adherence; versus pure glucocorticoids like prednisolone and dexamethasone it uniquely provides mineralocorticoid support needed in Addisonian dogs.

  • Stabilizes electrolytes

  • Pocket-sized powerhouse

  • Keeps tails wagging

  • Oral fludrocortisone for long-term mineralocorticoid support in hypoadrenocorticism.

  • Low-dose 0.1 mg tablets allow precise titration for small dogs.

  • Stabilizes electrolytes

  • Pocket-sized powerhouse

  • Keeps tails wagging

  • Oral fludrocortisone for long-term mineralocorticoid support in hypoadrenocorticism.

  • Low-dose 0.1 mg tablets allow precise titration for small dogs.

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$30-80 CAD

2
BEST LONG-ACTING INJECTABLE DOCP

Percorten-V Injectable

Percorten‑V (desoxycorticosterone pivalate) Injectable

Percorten‑V (desoxycorticosterone pivalate, DOCP) Injectable is the market‑leading long‑acting parenteral mineralocorticoid for dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism, delivering predictable monthly electrolyte control. Its technical advantage over oral Florinef is steadier mineralocorticoid replacement with fewer compliance issues and often better long‑term cost‑effectiveness despite higher upfront injection visit charges; because it lacks glucocorticoid activity it is routinely used alongside a separate glucocorticoid such as prednisolone.

4.7
★★★★☆
  • Long-acting injection

  • Fewer daily pills

  • Long-acting injection

  • Fewer daily pills

Review Summary

92%

"Percorten-V is widely praised for consistent, long-lasting mineralocorticoid replacement and predictable monthly control; main complaints are expense and the necessity of veterinary-administered injections."

  • Bounce-back energy

  • Monthly injectable desoxycorticosterone pivalate for reliable mineralocorticoid replacement.

  • Bounce-back energy

  • Monthly injectable desoxycorticosterone pivalate for reliable mineralocorticoid replacement.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Percorten‑V (desoxycorticosterone pivalate, DOCP) Injectable is the market‑leading long‑acting parenteral mineralocorticoid for dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism, delivering predictable monthly electrolyte control. Its technical advantage over oral Florinef is steadier mineralocorticoid replacement with fewer compliance issues and often better long‑term cost‑effectiveness despite higher upfront injection visit charges; because it lacks glucocorticoid activity it is routinely used alongside a separate glucocorticoid such as prednisolone.

  • Long-acting injection

  • Fewer daily pills

  • Bounce-back energy

  • Monthly injectable desoxycorticosterone pivalate for reliable mineralocorticoid replacement.

  • Provides consistent electrolyte control with less frequent dosing than oral options.

  • Long-acting injection

  • Fewer daily pills

  • Bounce-back energy

  • Monthly injectable desoxycorticosterone pivalate for reliable mineralocorticoid replacement.

  • Provides consistent electrolyte control with less frequent dosing than oral options.

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$120-250 CAD

3
BEST ORAL GLUCOCORTICOID — PREDNISOLONE

Prednisolone 5mg Tablets

Prednisolone 5 mg Tablets

Prednisolone 5 mg tablets are the most commonly used, cost‑effective oral glucocorticoid for physiologic replacement and anti‑inflammatory or immunosuppressive indications in dogs. Widely available as an inexpensive generic, prednisolone is the practical glucocorticoid partner to mineralocorticoid agents (Percorten‑V or Florinef) for Addisonian management, and is generally preferred over dexamethasone for routine replacement because of its more physiologic potency and dosing profile.

4.3
★★★★☆
  • Controls inflammation

  • Easy oral dosing

  • Controls inflammation

  • Easy oral dosing

Review Summary

84%

"Prednisolone 5mg is commonly rated effective for inflammation and immune conditions, but many long-term users report side effects such as increased thirst, appetite, and weight gain."

  • Calm, comfy pup

  • Systemic glucocorticoid for anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapy in dogs.

  • Calm, comfy pup

  • Systemic glucocorticoid for anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapy in dogs.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Prednisolone 5 mg tablets are the most commonly used, cost‑effective oral glucocorticoid for physiologic replacement and anti‑inflammatory or immunosuppressive indications in dogs. Widely available as an inexpensive generic, prednisolone is the practical glucocorticoid partner to mineralocorticoid agents (Percorten‑V or Florinef) for Addisonian management, and is generally preferred over dexamethasone for routine replacement because of its more physiologic potency and dosing profile.

  • Controls inflammation

  • Easy oral dosing

  • Calm, comfy pup

  • Systemic glucocorticoid for anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapy in dogs.

  • Preferred over prednisone in patients with hepatic dysfunction because it is the active metabolite.

  • Controls inflammation

  • Easy oral dosing

  • Calm, comfy pup

  • Systemic glucocorticoid for anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapy in dogs.

  • Preferred over prednisone in patients with hepatic dysfunction because it is the active metabolite.

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$15-50 CAD

4
BEST HIGH-POTENCY GLUCOCORTICOID

Dexamethasone 0.5mg Tablets

Dexamethasone 0.5 mg Tablets

Dexamethasone 0.5 mg tablets provide a highly potent, long‑acting glucocorticoid useful for acute anti‑inflammatory therapy and certain diagnostic protocols where strong suppression or rapid clinical effect is required. Not appropriate for chronic physiologic replacement due to potency and duration, dexamethasone's low mineralocorticoid activity and rapid onset make it a technical choice in emergencies and specific testing situations, distinguishing it from the daily replacement role of prednisolone or the mineralocorticoids in this list.

4.1
★★★★☆
  • Potent anti-inflammatory

  • Rapid symptom relief

  • Potent anti-inflammatory

  • Rapid symptom relief

Review Summary

80%

"Dexamethasone 0.5mg is valued for rapid, strong anti-inflammatory effect; reviewers emphasize careful dosing due to more pronounced steroid side effects with prolonged use."

  • Emergency-ready boost

  • Potent glucocorticoid used for severe inflammation and certain diagnostic protocols.

  • Emergency-ready boost

  • Potent glucocorticoid used for severe inflammation and certain diagnostic protocols.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Dexamethasone 0.5 mg tablets provide a highly potent, long‑acting glucocorticoid useful for acute anti‑inflammatory therapy and certain diagnostic protocols where strong suppression or rapid clinical effect is required. Not appropriate for chronic physiologic replacement due to potency and duration, dexamethasone's low mineralocorticoid activity and rapid onset make it a technical choice in emergencies and specific testing situations, distinguishing it from the daily replacement role of prednisolone or the mineralocorticoids in this list.

  • Potent anti-inflammatory

  • Rapid symptom relief

  • Emergency-ready boost

  • Potent glucocorticoid used for severe inflammation and certain diagnostic protocols.

  • Low-dose 0.5 mg tablets enable precise dosing for acute or short-term therapy.

  • Potent anti-inflammatory

  • Rapid symptom relief

  • Emergency-ready boost

  • Potent glucocorticoid used for severe inflammation and certain diagnostic protocols.

  • Low-dose 0.5 mg tablets enable precise dosing for acute or short-term therapy.

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$10-40 CAD

5
BEST FOR ACTH STIMULATION TESTING

Cortrosyn Injectable

Cortrosyn (cosyntropin) Injectable

Cortrosyn (cosyntropin) Injectable is the synthetic ACTH standard used in ACTH stimulation testing to diagnose adrenal insufficiency in dogs and is therefore central to targeted adrenal therapy. Its diagnostic precision reduces unnecessary long‑term medication costs by ensuring DOCP or fludrocortisone are prescribed only when indicated, making it an essential complement to the therapeutic agents on this list rather than a replacement.

3.8
★★★☆☆
  • Assesses adrenal function

  • Single-dose precision

  • Assesses adrenal function

  • Single-dose precision

Review Summary

76%

"Cortrosyn injectable is considered the diagnostic standard for ACTH stimulation testing and generally performs reliably, though users frequently cite high cost, occasional supply shortages, and variable lab logistics."

  • Vet-approved detective

  • Synthetic ACTH (cosyntropin) used to perform ACTH stimulation tests to evaluate adrenal function.

  • Vet-approved detective

  • Synthetic ACTH (cosyntropin) used to perform ACTH stimulation tests to evaluate adrenal function.

Increased Safety & Security

Skill Development & Mastery

Cortrosyn (cosyntropin) Injectable is the synthetic ACTH standard used in ACTH stimulation testing to diagnose adrenal insufficiency in dogs and is therefore central to targeted adrenal therapy. Its diagnostic precision reduces unnecessary long‑term medication costs by ensuring DOCP or fludrocortisone are prescribed only when indicated, making it an essential complement to the therapeutic agents on this list rather than a replacement.

  • Assesses adrenal function

  • Single-dose precision

  • Vet-approved detective

  • Synthetic ACTH (cosyntropin) used to perform ACTH stimulation tests to evaluate adrenal function.

  • Typically supplied as single-use vials or kits for in-clinic diagnostic use.

  • Assesses adrenal function

  • Single-dose precision

  • Vet-approved detective

  • Synthetic ACTH (cosyntropin) used to perform ACTH stimulation tests to evaluate adrenal function.

  • Typically supplied as single-use vials or kits for in-clinic diagnostic use.

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$250-450 CAD

Research and Evidence Behind Adrenal Replacement and Corticosteroid Use in Dogs

Clinical practice and peer-reviewed literature support using mineralocorticoid replacement (oral fludrocortisone or injectable desoxycorticosterone pivalate) plus glucocorticoid therapy for primary hypoadrenocorticism, and targeted corticosteroid regimens for inflammatory conditions. Guidelines and studies emphasize individualized dosing, careful electrolyte and clinical monitoring, and minimizing long-term side effects by selecting the lowest effective glucocorticoid dose. Diagnostic tools such as ACTH stimulation testing (using Cortrosyn) are validated for confirming adrenal insufficiency and guiding treatment.

Mineralocorticoid replacement: Injectable DOCP (Percorten-V) is documented to provide consistent mineralocorticoid control with predictable dosing intervals, while oral fludrocortisone (Florinef) offers an oral alternative that may require closer electrolyte monitoring.

Glucocorticoid replacement: Prednisolone or prednisone at physiologic replacement doses restores cortisol activity for Addisonian dogs; higher or pulse dosing is used for inflammatory or immune-mediated disease with attention to adverse effects.

Diagnostic validation: ACTH stimulation testing with synthetic ACTH (Cortrosyn) remains a standard, evidence-backed method to diagnose primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency and to differentiate causes of clinical signs.

Monitoring and outcomes: Studies and clinical audits show that appropriate replacement and monitoring (serum sodium/potassium, clinical signs, weight, blood pressure) significantly improve survival and quality of life in affected dogs.

Side effect management: Research and clinical experience highlight common corticosteroid-related adverse effects—polyuria, polydipsia, increased appetite, immunosuppression and, with chronic high doses, iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism—so lowest effective dosing and owner education are emphasized.

Regional considerations: Canadian veterinary guidance often factors in medication availability, cost, and follow-up logistics; injectable DOCP regimens reduce daily dosing burden for owners in remote or busy settings.

In Canada, adrenal replacement and corticosteroid therapies for dogs are chosen to balance effectiveness, safety and owner practicality. The five main products discussed here—Florinef Acetate 0.1mg, Percorten-V Injectable, Prednisolone 5mg Tablets, Dexamethasone 0.5mg Tablets, and Cortrosyn Injectable—cover oral and injectable mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid options as well as diagnostic ACTH stimulation. For many patients with primary hypoadrenocorticism, Percorten-V Injectable is commonly preferred by veterinarians for reliable, long-acting mineralocorticoid support, while Florinef remains a useful oral option in selected cases; prednisolone is the routine glucocorticoid replacement choice and dexamethasone is used selectively when its potency or lack of cross-reactivity with some assays is needed. Cortrosyn is essential for diagnostic testing. We hope you found what you were looking for; you can refine or expand your search using the site search to compare dosing schedules, monitoring checklists, or local availability and pricing.

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