Serves as a methyl donor and precursor for glutathione synthesis, providing hepatocellular protection and supporting detoxification pathways; also has antioxidant properties
At a glance
Class
Hepatoprotectant / Nutraceutical supplement
Storage
Store below 25°C; keep in original blister pack until use; do not crush or split tablets
Dosing
Hepatic support / Drug-induced hepatopathy / Chronic liver disease
Frequency
SID (on empty stomach)
Duration: Long-term for chronic liver disease
Hepatic lipidosis / Cholangitis / Drug-induced hepatopathy
Frequency
SID (on empty stomach)
Duration: Long-term
Safety
Adverse effects
Common
Inappetence (if not given on empty stomach)
Mild GI upset
Serious
None reported at therapeutic doses
Hepatic enzymes (ALT, ALP, GGT)Bile acids
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)?
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a hepatoprotectant / nutraceutical supplement used in pets. Serves as a methyl donor and precursor for glutathione synthesis, providing hepatocellular protection and supporting detoxification pathways; also has antioxidant properties
›What is S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) used for in pets?
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is used in veterinary medicine for: Hepatic support / Drug-induced hepatopathy / Chronic liver disease; Hepatic lipidosis / Cholangitis / Drug-induced hepatopathy.
›What is the S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) dose for dogs?
For dogs, S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is typically dosed as follows — Hepatic support / Drug-induced hepatopathy / Chronic liver disease: 17–20 mg/kg PO SID (on empty stomach). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) dose for cats?
For cats, S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is typically dosed as follows — Hepatic lipidosis / Cholangitis / Drug-induced hepatopathy: 17–20 mg/kg PO SID (on empty stomach). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)?
Common: Inappetence (if not given on empty stomach), Mild GI upset. Serious (call your vet immediately): None reported at therapeutic doses.
›Does S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) need a prescription?
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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