Effect of Increasing Cortisone Dosage on Serum Electrolytes, Plasma Volume and Arterial Pressure of Adrenalectomized Dogs

Abstract

Various dosage levels of cortisone were tested in dogs maintained on a diet low in Na. A dose level of 1.86 mg./kg./day was found to be the minimum that will sustain health, vigor and a near normal serum electrolyte level. This dose is insufficient to restore to normal the lowered serum Na and Cl of dogs which had previously received inadequate therapy. Massive daily doses, e.g., 10 mg./kg./day for 41-47 days, cause marked elevation of the serum Na and Cl but the effect upon the serum K was negligible. The mean arterial pressure increases, and may reach hypertensive levels. The plasma volume changes were variable.