Ursodiol can refer to both a naturally occurring acid in your pet's body or to a supplement of this acid that can help to control his liver function. The liver is a crucial organ for your pet's health, as it is responsible for detoxifying a number of different systems in your pet's body. It accomplishes this task through a procedure of synthesizing and breaking down of many different types of chemicals. If your dog's body cannot do this properly, you may need to provide him with a supplement of ursodiol.
Ursodiol Overview
Ursodiol is a biliary substance that occurs naturally in your pet's body. This acid is created along with the other substances that make up bile, which is produced by the liver. Specifically, ursodiol helps to protect the liver itself against potential damage that can be caused by the bile that it produces. It prevents the liver from absorbing cholesterol and other bile salts that exist in the other substances that make up bile. Without a proper level of ursodiol in your pet's bloodstream and liver, he may suffer prolonged and degenerative liver damage.
Using Ursodiol For Your Pet
Ursodiol comes in two brand name formulations: Actigall and Urso. Both of these drugs are designed and approved for use in humans only. However, veterinarians can legally prescribe them to pets, but only as an extra label drug. This means that you'll have to visit your vet for an examination and prescription for your pet, and that you must continue to work closely with your vet for the entire duration of time in which your pet is taking the medicine.
Ursodiol is specifically useful in treating certain types of chronic degenerative liver conditions, and it's also helpful in relieving the symptoms of gallbladder stones in some cases as well.
Dosage and Administration of Ursodial for Dogs
This medicine is available in either a capsule or a tablet form. It's generally given with food or a treat twice per day for the duration of the treatment. In many cases, because of the types of conditions that ursodiol is designed to address, treatment will be prolonged. The exact dosage of the medicine that you'll need to give to your pet is dependent upon his size, weight and overall health condition.
Ursodial Risks and Side Effects
Although ursodiol does not have many common side effects, and generally only causes mild diarrhea if it elicits any reaction at all, there are still a few precautions that you should take before giving your pet this drug. First, it's important that you discuss any and all other health conditions and medicines that may be affecting your pet, as ursodiol can react negatively with certain medicines. Also, it's important to not give your pet ursodiol if he suffers from any of the following conditions, as the drug can exacerbate those symptoms:
- Cholangitis
- Biliary obstruction
- Pancreatitis
For more information about ursodiol and how it can be used to help your dog's liver, ask a vet.