Ketoconazole is an antifungal drug used relatively frequently in veterinary medicine. In this Animal Expert article, we will explain the characteristics of ketoconazole for dogs. It is essential that this medicine is used only with veterinary prescription and should follow the instructions carefully. Ketoconazole treatments are long-term and can cause side effects, so only a professional can decide whether or not their use is relevant.
If your veterinarian has prescribed this medicine to your dog and you want to know all the related information, such as the side effects it produces and the recommended dose, read on, we will explain everything about canine ketoconazole, dosages, uses and much more.
- Ketoconazole is an antifungal or antifungal group of azoles.
- Dog ketoconazole is available in several presentations and it is common to combine several.
- It is up to the veterinarian to choose the most suitable treatment for the dog.
- Depending on the circumstances and the clinical condition.
Oral ketoconazole has the advantage of having a faster effect than topical application, however, topical products control environmental pollution, hence its importance. Thus, you can find ketoconazole in tablets and suspension drinkable or ketoconazole in dog shampoo, which can be used throughout the body or in specific areas. It is necessary to let ketoconazole shampoo for dogs work for a few minutes to achieve the desired effect. We emphasize that shampoo alone does not promote healing, it only reduces infectious capacity and therefore should be associated with systemic antifungal treatment. Ketoconazole shampoo for dogs may also contain chlorhexidine, which is a bacterial disinfectant.
Whatever the format, it’s the same product, ketoconazole and the only thing that will change is the presentation. The treatment period in these cases usually lasts, exceeding two months. Ketoconazole cream is also available for topical use. Like shampoo, it essentially decreases the risk of infection, so it is combined with a systemic treatment.
This type of disease is usually contagious, so it is important that the animal receives timely treatment and that it follows the hygiene measures recommended by the veterinarian, in order to avoid transmission as much as possible. Keep in mind that fungi in dogs, in addition to contaminating other animals, can also affect humans. In addition to fungal infections, it should be noted that ketoconazole has already been shown to be useful in the treatment of hyperatenocticism or Cushing syndrome.
Ketoconazole tablets are given in doses of 5 mg per kg body weight every 12 hours, or 10 mg, if administered only once daily. Ideally, offer the drug with food, as absorption is also better.
In all cases, it is very important to specify that the veterinarian should stipulate the appropriate dose of ketoconazole for the dog in question, depending on the problem or disease presenting. Improper administration of this or any other medicine can have serious consequences for the animal, such as poisoning or digestive problems.
Ketoconazole, even at the recommended dose, can cause side effects, such as anorexia, vomiting or diarrhea. Liver disorders are also noted as a drug that can be toxic to the liver. In this case, you will probably notice jaundice, which is the yellowish color of the mucous membranes. Similarly, ketoconazole for dogs interferes with the metabolism of certain hormones and compounds. For example, it affects testosterone, which can affect the dog’s reproductive capacity during treatment and even a few weeks later.
In addition to the postconsupum side effects mentioned above, ketoconazole is teratogenic, meaning it causes malformations in fetuses. Therefore, it should not be given to pregnant women. It is also not recommended for nursing females, puppies less than two months old or puppies with liver disease. It also interacts with several other medications, so it should never be offered to the dog without a prescription from a veterinarian.
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.
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