Trental, a brand name medicine containing the active ingredient drug pentoxifylline, is a widely versatile drug that is used to help address conditions like shock, dermatitis, frostbite, and many others. Although the medicine is registered for use in human beings only and has been approved exclusively for human use by the FDA, vets can nonetheless prescribe it to dogs in certain cases and as an extra label medicine. If your pet suffers from any of these conditions, speak with your veterinarian about the possibility of addressing his conditions with Trental.
Trental Overview
Trental's primary action is to increase the flow of blood through your pet's body. This can be accomplished by both increasing the viscosity of your pet's blood and making his red blood cells more flexible and mobile. It is most helpful at addressing issues of microcirculation, which involves the passing of oxygen and other nutrients through the blood and into cells. For this reason, Trental is helpful at addressing a wide variety of issues, including the following:
- Shock
- Dermatomyositis
- Contact allergies
- Dermatitis
- Frostbite
- Certain embolisms
Using Trental for Your Pet
Trental is typically provided in tablet form. These tablets are often designed to control the release of the medicine so that it is provided to your pet's system in an even, steady dose. Most vets recommend providing your pet with the advised dosage along with the food that he eats or included with a treat, as some dogs might find the taste of the tablets to be unappetizing and may spit them out.
It's important to recognize that the dosage of Trental varies from dog to dog and case to case much more significantly than many other types of drug regimens. Specifically, you may give your pet his dose of Trental as often as once every 6 to 8 hours or as infrequently as once every other day. The amount of the drug that you give him, as well as the schedule on which you provide the dose, will be dependent upon your dog's size, weight, age and overall health condition.
Risks and Side Effects of Trental
Because Trental increases the amount of certain blood hormones in your pet's system, it's important to inform your vet of any and all other hormone supplements or medical treatments that your pet is undergoing before you provide him with Trental. Trental can interact negatively with certain other medicines, and it should also not be given to dogs suffering from bleeding conditions or kidney and liver damage.
The most common side effects that are seen in dogs taking Trental include the following:
- Hypotension or low blood pressure
- Edemas
- Arrhythmia of the heart
- Liver problems
- Vomiting
- Malaise
- Tremors
- Bloating and increased flatulence
- Behavioral changes
Due to the very serious nature of many of these side effects, it's crucial that you and your vet continue to monitor your dog closely when he is taking this medicine. If you notice any signs of an adverse reaction to the medicine, take your pet in to the vet immediately for emergency treatment.