Dexamethasone suppression test / ACTH stimulation test

Test Protocols

Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test Protocol (Canine)

  1. Obtain a basal blood plasma sample (0 hours)
  2. Administer 0.01 mg/kg body weight of dexamethasone sodium phosphate IV
  3. Obtain ‘post’ blood serum samples at 4 hours and 8 hours

High Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test Protocol (Canine)

  1. Obtain a basal blood serum sample (0 hours)
  2. Administer 0.1 mg/kg body weight of dexamethasone sodium phosphate IV
  3. Obtain ‘post’ blood serum samples at 4 hours and 8 hours

ACTH Stimulation Test Protocol (Canine)

  1. Begin test between 8-9am
  2. Obtain a basal blood serum sample (0 hours)
  3. Administer 0.005 mg/kg i.v. for dogs up to 5 kg or 0.25 mg/dog i.v. for dogs greater than 5 kg of SynacthenR
  4. Obtain a ‘post’ blood serum sample at 1 hour

ACTH Stimulation Test Protocol (Feline)

  1. Begin test between 8-9am
  2. Obtain a basal blood serum sample (0 hours)
  3. Administer 0.125 mg i.v./cat regardless of body weight of SynacthenR
  4. Obtain a ‘post’ blood serum sample at 30 minutes and 1 hour

Note: SynacthenR is not licensed for use in dogs or cats. The active ingredient of SynacthenR is tetracosactide acetate – a synthetic analog of ACTH.