Lysodren Mitotane is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use mitotane to treat Cushing’s disease in dogs.

 

Lysodren Mitotane acts by suppressing adrenal gland function and treatment involves two phases. Lysodren is a cytotoxic drug. It has a predilection for killing cells in a particular zone of the adrenal gland, thereby reducing function of that part of the gland. This lowers the blood cortisol concentration.

 

Mitotane decreases the production of cortisol but at therapeutic doses has minimal effects on other adrenal tissues or hormones such as aldosterone.

 

Lysodren Side Effects: Side effects of mitotane may include Addison’s disease or symptoms that indicate the onset of Addison’s disease such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea , weakness and drowsiness. There may be a need to supplement with glucocorticoids such as prednisone if symptoms are observed.