Deprenyl for Dogs

Deprenyl also known as L-deprenyl is a type of monoamine oxidase inhibitor that’s prescribed to dogs suffering from Cushing’s disease. It can also be used to treat pets that have become senile. The clinical name for L-deprenyl for pets is selegiline hydrochloride. Since it acts on certain enzymes that are present in the brain, it’s the medication of choice for pets suffering from Cushing’s disease.

How Deprenyl Works

The symptoms of Cushing’s disease arise when too much cortisone is secreted by the adrenal glands. To counteract this effect, drugs that work on the pituitary gland are generally prescribed. L-Deprenyl acts on monoamine oxidases present in the brain and makes them produce higher amounts of dopamine. Since it doesn’t act on the monoamine oxidase that’s produced by the liver, it’s ideal for pets suffering from Cushing’s disease.

Research studies indicate that drugs containing L-deprenyl inhibit the breakdown of dopamine. This regulates the amount of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) produced by the pituitary gland. Since ACTH regulates the functioning of the adrenal glands, Cushing’s disease is kept under control.

Administering Drugs like Anipryl

L-deprenyl also destroys free radicals that harm molecules in the brain. Due to this reason, it’s administered to dogs suffering from senility. Medications like Anipryl, Carbex and Eldepryl contain L-deprenyl. These medications are available in varying potencies and should be administered according to the vet’s guidelines.

Anipryl is available in tablet form. You can’t buy the drug if you don’t have a prescription from the vet. The general dosage guideline for this medication is 0.45 mg per pound of body weight. It should be given once a day. This is the initial dose that has to be administered to your pet. If your dog shows signs of recovery, the vet may change the dosage after a few weeks.

Precautions You Must Take

Before you administer any drug that contains L-deprenyl you must inform the vet about other medications you’re giving your pet, especially drugs like meperidine. You should stick to the dosage schedule and avoid overdosing your dog if you forget to administer the medication on time. Drugs that contain L-deprenyl may not be ideal for pets that are pregnant.

The medication also causes certain side effects in pets. You must thus discuss the pros and cons of administering this drug to your pet with the vet.

Side Effects of Drugs Containing L-Deprenyl

Side effects include:

  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Inability to sleep
  • Dryness of the mouth
  • Nausea
  • Pet passes watery stools 
  • Dog shows signs of confusion

More Serious Side Effects

If your dog develops any of the side effects listed above you should continue the medication and discuss these symptoms with the vet but if the dog shows signs of restlessness, seizures, lack of coordination or aggression, you must seek prompt medical help. Some dogs may also become allergic to the medication. The symptoms of these allergic reactions include swelling of the lips, labored breathing and arrhythmia.

Although drugs containing L-deprenyl benefit your pet, they must be administered with caution and only under the supervision of the vet.

 

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