Gastritis is a condition that may cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and is caused by different bacteria and viruses that get to the intestinal tract. Reglan, also known as metaclopramide can control the symptoms of gastritis in canines.
What Is Reglan
Reglan contains the ingredient called metaclopramide and is an antiemetics drug that can eliminate vomiting and diarrhea. Reglan has received approval from the FDA for use in humans only, but it may be safely administrated to dogs as well. Vets can prescribe this drug only after consulting the dog; Reglan is not available as an over the counter medication for pets.
Reglan has minimal side effects in dogs and for this reason it is often used in diseases such as gastritis, colitis or enterocolitis.
What Is Gastritis
Gastritis is a stomach irritation and can occur in dogs that have eaten a disagreeable ingredient, garbage, foreign objects or have eaten too fast. Viruses and bacteria in the intestinal tract may also cause gastritis.
The condition causes discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea.
Reglan Side Effects
Reglan can cause a few side effects in canines including:
- Behavioral changes
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Confusion and dizziness
- High blood pressure
- Hyperactivity, in rare cases
- Seizures, in dogs that have epilepsy or experience seizures more often
- Moving disorders, if the nervous system is affected
These side effects may only occur in certain pets and only if the administration of Reglan is for an extended period of time. Typically, the treatment of gastritis requires only a few days of Reglan treatment, so the chance of occurrence of side effects is minimal.
If your pet experiences severe side effects, you should discontinue the Reglan treatment and visit a vet.
Interactions of Reglan with Other Drugs
Reglan may interact with other drugs, so let your vet know if your pet is under any medications.
Reglan may interact with medications such as phenothiazine tranquilizers, which are typically administered to dogs with seizures.
If the dog is taking narcotic analgesics, the effects of Reglan will be diminished.
Contraindications
Reglan is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs, as it may affect the fetuses or the newborn puppies.
If the dog has intestinal obstruction, Reglan is not recommended.
Dogs with adrenal tumors can’t take Reglan, as the drug may cause high blood pressure.
Reglan shouldn’t be administered to dogs with epilepsy or dogs that have frequent seizures. Reglan contain metoclopramide, which will affect the central nervous system and may trigger seizures.
Dogs with central nervous system problems should also get a different type of treatment for gastritis.
If the dog is allergic to the compounds of Reglan, he may develop allergic reactions that may be as severe as an anaphylactic shock. If you don’t know whether your dog is allergic to metoclopramide and you notice that he is suddenly experiencing vomiting, collapses or his face gets swollen, having breathing problems, you should discontinue the treatment and get veterinary help.