Allopurinol for dogs is listed as a veterinary drug one of the most important components of a canine leishmaniasis treatment.
With all the positive effects that allopurinol can have in dogs, side effects can also occur.
The following guide explains what exactly has to be considered with allopurinol in dogs.
Allopurinol for dogs: what is it and what is it used for?
Allopurinol for dogs is now considered to be the drug that veterinarians look for in a Leishmaniasis disease in dogs swear.
Leishmaniasis is transmitted by sandflies. These are mainly found in southern Europe, i.e. in Spain, Italy, southern France and Portugal.
The veterinarians there sound the alarm every year because leishmaniasis is one of the most dangerous Mediterranean diseases for dogs.
Due to climate change, it is also getting warmer and warmer in Northern Europe, which means that sand flies are also increasingly common here.
This means that the risk of leishmaniasis is increasing in Germany, although it has not yet reached the southern European level.
Allopurinol for dogs is one of the drugs used in long-term therapy.
How does allopurinol work in dogs?
Allopurinol prevents so-called purines from being converted into urea, which in turn is then excreted through the kidneys.
Instead, allopurinol in dogs ensures that the purine breakdown is stopped at an intermediate station, namely at xanthine or hypoxanthine.
Hypoxanthine is the substance that Leishmania needs to reproduce. If the dog is given allopurinol, the pathogens absorb the active ingredient, but not hypoxanthine.
This reduces the number of Leishmania. Unfortunately, it can also cause the dog to form xanthine stones and crystals over the long term.
Proper Use and Dosage of Allopurinol for Dogs
The right dosage of allopurinol for your dog lies between 5 and 20 mg per kilogram of body weight of the treated dog.
The administration takes place between 1x and 3x daily – depending on the severity of the symptoms of leishmaniasis in the dog.
Important
Dogs should never be treated with allopurinol on their own, but only after consultation with the veterinarian. This also applies to all accompanying medication.
How fast does allopurinol work in dogs?
How quickly allopurinol takes effect in dogs depends on the symptomatology being treated and can take between 1 and 5 months.
Therapy with allopurinol usually takes place over a period of 6 to 12 months. During this time, the dog should be presented regularly to the treating veterinarian.
He carries out examinations on the dog, which include, among other things, a large blood count.
Allopurinol for dogs: possible side effects and late effects
Allopurinol can cause side effects and long-term effects in some dogs. The side effects include Skin irritation and redness.
Diarrhea and vomiting can also be side effects, especially at the beginning of treatment with allopurinol.
Although the side effects subside after a short time, you should still keep an eye on them.
The late effects of therapy with allopurinol in dogs include problems with the urinary tract and kidneys.
Diseases and health problems that can occur as a result of the long-term effects of allopurinol include:
- urolithiasis
- xanthinuria
- Kidney Mineralization
Unfortunately, there are currently no «harmless» alternatives that can be administered instead of allopurinol in leishmaniasis.
The late effects can therefore be an undesirable side effect for your dog.
After all, the formation of kidney stones and crystals can be reduced with an accompanying diet.
It is important that your dog’s food contains the following ingredients in particular:
- muscle meat
- carbohydrates
- Animal & vegetable proteins
However, if your dog is being treated with allopurinol for leishmaniasis, you should avoid the following foods as they are considered to be rich in purines:
Of course, your vet will explain to you which nutrition or diet can reduce the risk of possible long-term effects in your dog.
When should I not use Allopurinol on my dog?
You should not use allopurinol on your dog if he hypersensitivity to the active ingredient has.
Treatment with allopurinol should also be avoided if the dog has liver and kidney dysfunction.
If a dog suffers from renal insufficiency, then the treatment with allopurinol must be closely monitored.
In addition, the dosage should be reduced and adapted to the needs of the dog with kidney disease.
Where is allopurinol for dogs available?
You can get allopurinol from either treating veterinarian or in an (online) pharmacy.
Allopurinol is a prescription veterinary drug.
What alternatives are there to allopurinol for dogs?
There are currently only a few real alternatives to allopurinol in the treatment of leishmaniasis, including among others Domperidone for dogs.
However, this can sometimes result in more severe side effects and late effects than with allopurinol for dogs.
The following medications are also classified as so-called leishmanicides:
Mugwort, as a herbal leishmanicide, is also said to help kill the pathogens. The homeopathic remedy is available as capsules, tincture or in dried form.
In addition, some will antibiotics like Doxycycline for dogs given as part of leishmaniasis treatment.
Note that antibiotics are part of symptomatic treatment, as many symptoms are a consequence of leishmaniasis.
Incidentally, the antibiotic amoxicillin is often not an option in the treatment of leishmaniasis.
Interactions between the antibiotic and allopurinol are now known.
Is Your Dog Getting Allopurinol? What is his experience? We’d love for you to share your experiences and helpful tips with us in the comments.