Hi Lara,
Not a stupid question at all—it’s a really practical one, especially when it comes to optimizing DOCP dosing intervals! I hope you are enjoying the course. Let me know if you have any feedback!
For this case, the hypernatremia is an indicator that we may be slightly over-supplementing with DOCP, which can cause electrolyte imbalance. Waiting a week to retest the electrolytes allows us to assess if the sodium normalizes without the influence of a fresh DOCP dose, which would provide a clearer picture of whether the decrease to 1.5 mg/kg SC is appropriate long-term.
If we were to give the dose immediately, we’d miss the opportunity to observe if the dog’s electrolyte balance can sustain at a lower DOCP dose over a longer period. This way, we avoid the risk of overtreatment and allow for adjustments that may help the dog maintain better electrolyte stability over time.
Regarding the frequency of monitoring once at 30-day intervals, for a clinically well patient, electrolytes are generally rechecked every 3-6 months. This can vary slightly based on individual cases, particularly if there’s a history of fluctuations or any new clinical concerns.
Hope this clears things up! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Best,
Scott
