Zentonil represents a nutritional supplement that is prescribed for cats and dogs with health conditions that affect the liver. This pure salt of SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine) does not only prevent the death of liver cells, but it also promotes the regeneration of the hepatocytes.
Pharmaceutical Pathways of Zentonil
The active ingredient of this drug is called S-Adenosylmethionine, a compound that reduces liver damage by decreasing the liver enzyme values. More precisely, S-Adenosylmethionine acts in the following ways:
- Assures the necessary building blocks for antioxidants used in hepatic processes
- Detoxifies unhealthy metabolic by-products
- Improves liver cell function
- Strengthens cell membranes
S-Adenosylmethionine is essential for dogs with liver problems, as they cannot synthesize this compound, due to their condition. Under normal conditions, this naturally occurring compound would be produced from an amino acid that is called methionine. The synthesis of glutathione, one the most important liver antioxidants, also depends on S-Adenosylmethionine, so the importance of this compound is critical for dogs who suffer from liver problems. Recent studies revealed that 51 percent of dogs with liver disease lack this particular antioxidant, fact that worsens the liver damage.
Zentonil does not only regulate the number of liver enzymes. It also influences directly the bile acids and total bilirubin, aspects that also influence the overall health of the liver.
Availability and Administration of Zentonil
This drug is available as tablets with 3 different concentrations: 100mg, 200mg and 400 mg. Make sure that you keep the tablets intact, as the active ingredient of this drug is sensitive to both air and moisture. More than that, the coating of the tablets assure the fact that they are not dissolved by stomach acid. The dosage depends very much on the body of your dog. For example, dogs weighing less than 12 pounds require a single 100mg tablet per day. Dogs with a body weight ranging between 13 and 36 pounds will be administered a single 200mg per day. Larger breeds require 400mg tablets, as it follows:
- One tablet for dogs weighing between 36 and 85 pounds
- Two tablets for a body weight between 86 and 110 pounds
- Three tablets, if the body weight exceeds 111 pounds
In case administering the tablets to your dog proves to be a difficult task, you can disguise the drug in food or treats. However, it is recommended to administer this drug on an empty stomach, a couple of hours before feeding. If the symptoms improve, the veterinarian may decide to lower the dosage.
The duration of the treatment with Zentonil depends on how damaged the liver is, but in most cases, symptoms tend to improve within 30 days. However, if your dog suffers from cirrhosis or liver inflammation, the duration of the treatment ranges between several months and a few years. Less severe liver problems, such as liver poisoning,
Side Effects of Zentonil and Interactions
The only known side effect of Zentonil is vomiting, and this only occurs occasionally. The safety of this drug is continuously evaluated, but at the moment there are no known interactions. However, you are recommended to talk to the veterinarian about the other treatments that your dog is following treatment. Zentonil is only contraindicated for dogs that manifested an allergic reaction to S-Adenosylmethionine, and in this case the veterinarian may prescribe an alternative treatment.