A dog with estrogen-responsive incontinence is treated with diethylstilbestrol (DES) at 1 mg daily for 3 days, followed by 1 mg weekly. DES tablets are available in 1-mg and 5-mg strengths. How many milligrams are administered over a 3-week course?

A dog with estrogen-responsive incontinence is treated with diethylstilbestrol (DES) at 1 mg daily for 3 days, followed by 1 mg weekly. DES tablets are available in 1-mg and 5-mg strengths. How many milligrams are administered over a 3-week course?

• A. 5
• B. 7
• C. 3
• D. 9

Answer: (A)

Total amount equals the sum of all doses given during the 3-week course. The first three days deliver 1 mg each day, so that’s 3 mg. After that, 1 mg is given weekly. Within a 3-week window, the weekly doses occur on days 10 and 17, giving two additional doses (2 mg). A third weekly dose would fall after the 3-week period. So the total administered is 3 mg plus 2 mg, equaling 5 mg. The tablet strengths don’t change the calculation since each dose is 1 mg.

Total amount equals the sum of all doses given during the 3-week course. The first three days deliver 1 mg each day, so that’s 3 mg. After that, 1 mg is given weekly. Within a 3-week window, the weekly doses occur on days 10 and 17, giving two additional doses (2 mg). A third weekly dose would fall after the 3-week period. So the total administered is 3 mg plus 2 mg, equaling 5 mg. The tablet strengths don’t change the calculation since each dose is 1 mg.