Management of canine pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism with l-deprenyl (Anipryl).

In this chapter we have discussed the pathogenesis of canine PDH focusing on its relationship to aging, dopamine deficiency, and neurodegenerative disease. We have outlined the successful management of canine PDH patients with l-deprenyl, a selective MAO-B inhibitor. Treatment with l-deprenyl results in clinical and endocrinologic improvement (partial to complete) in approximately 83% of dogs, with improvement noted within the first 1 to 2 months of therapy. The safety profile of l-deprenyl is excellent, especially in light of the fact that the majority of patients are elderly. l-Deprenyl is a safe and effective first-line therapy for the medical management of uncomplicated cases of canine PDH.