Ketoconazole is a treatment used in canines that are affected by a fungal infection. Ketoconazole is marketed as Nizoral and is also related to itraconazole, miconazole and fluconazole, all these being antifungal medications. Ketoconazole stops the development of the fungal cells.
When Is Ketoconazole Used?
Ketoconazole can be used whenever the dog is affected by a fungal infection. Most commonly, dogs suffer from yeast infections, which can affect the skin, the ears, the mouth or the reproductive system.
Ketoconazole is also beneficial when used on the ringworm infection, which is caused by fungi.
Ketoconazole can be employed in more severe fungal infections such as:
- Blastomycosis
- Coccidoidomycosis
- Cryptococcosis
The dog should be diagnosed before any medication is prescribed. However, most of these fungal infections will manifest through:
- Itchy skin
- Foul odor of skin
- Round hair loss patches (ringworm)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Breathing problems
- Ocular discharges
In some cases, ketoconazole can be used in treating Cushing’s disease (excessive production of cortisone by the adrenal glands), as the drug will interfere with the production of hormones.
Ketoconazole cannot be used in bacterial or viral infections and cannot eliminate parasites.
Effects of Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole is a substance that affects the development of the fungi, interfering with the growth of the wall of the fungi.
Ketoconazole may be used both topically and orally. Both forms of ketoconazole are effective in reducing the fungal cells, but the treatment should be continued even if the symptoms subside
Ketoconazole Side Effects
Even if ketoconazole is not FDA approved for veterinarian use, it is typically safe and will cause minimal side effects in dogs.
However, some dogs may develop side effects such as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Eye cataracts
- Depression
- Lethargy
- In rare cases, the oral treatment will affect the liver, causing hepatitis, manifested through jaundice
When used as a topical cream, ketoconazole can cause:
- A change in the color of the coat
- Dry and coarse coat
These side effects should subside once the treatment is discontinued.
Ketoconazole shouldn’t be used in dogs that may be allergic to the substance. The drugs may interact with other treatments with antacids, anticonvulsants, heart drugs or cyclosporine.
Ketoconazole cannot be applied in pregnant dogs, as the drugs will cause the death of the fetuses.
Ketoconazole Dosage
Ketoconazole can only be obtained with a prescription. Even if ketoconazole doesn’t have FDA approval for use in dogs (it is FDA approved for use in humans), the drugs may be used as an extra label drug and prescribed by most veterinarians when the dog is affected by fungal infections.
The dosage of ketoconazole will be established by the vet only, judging by the dog’s condition, age and breed. The treatment will be recommended for several weeks.
The topical ketoconazole is typically administered twice per day, applied on the affected areas. The topical treatment should be applied for 1 to 2 weeks and shouldn’t be discontinued once the symptoms disappear.