Spironolactone is a medicine that is not used with great frequency for veterinary health, but it is nonetheless an important drug that you may encounter with your pet. Because of the uses of spironolactone and the various conditions that it is designed to help address, it's likely that you won't find it necessary to administer to younger pets. Knowing about the general uses of spironolactone will help you to determine if it's a good drug to administer to your pet in certain situations, provided that you have the help of your vet as well.
Spironolactone Overview
Spironolactone is a type of diuretic that has the specific function of reducing the body's creation of a hormone called aldosterone. This particular hormone is regularly created throughout your body and your dog's body as well, and in most cases it does not require management by outside drugs or medicines. However, aldosterone can be released in quantities which are two great under a couple of specific health conditions; namely, this hormone is created in high quantities during heart failure and also when your pet is suffering from certain types of liver disease.
Aldosterone is a hormone that works to retain sodium levels in the kidneys while it helps to flush out excess potassium. This normal transfer process is generally part of the healthy maintenance of your pet's kidneys and other organs, but it can become dangerous if there is too much aldosterone. This is where spironolactone can help; spironolactone helps to reduce the fluid levels and lower the sodium levels in the kidneys and other parts of the body as well.
Spironolactone Medical Information
Spironolactone is a human-formulated medicine that is prescribed to dogs only through extra label usage. This means that you'll have to receive a specific prescription for the drug from your vet, as there is no formulation of the medicine that is made particularly for dogs. While spironolactone is generally considered safe for use in dogs when administered under the watchful eye of an experienced vet, it's nonetheless not approved by the FDA for use in dogs.
Spironolactone Dosage and Side Effects
The exact dosage of spironolactone will depend upon the size of your dog and the severity of his condition. The drug is administered in tablet form; most owners will mix the tablets in with food or give them along with a dog treat.
There are a few side effects of spironolactone which are important to keep in mind. The drug can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, high levels of potassium in the blood, low levels of sodium, and other signs as well. Most of these reactions are mild and not serious. It's also possible that your pet may have an extreme allergic reaction to this medicine as well, so it's crucial that you watch him after administering the drug for the first time and take him to a veterinary emergency center if you're concerned about his health at all.