Hydrophilic bile acid that replaces toxic hydrophobic bile acids, reduces cholesterol saturation in bile, has anti-apoptotic and immunomodulatory effects, and stimulates bile flow (choleresis). Cytoprotective for hepatocytes.
At a glance
Class
Bile Acid / Hepatoprotective Agent
Storage
Store at room temperature below 30°C, protect from moisture
Dosing
Used for cholangiohepatitis, primary hepatic diseases, gallbladder mucocele (dis
Used for cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis complex, hepatic lipidosis, and triaditi
Safety
Hepatic enzymes (ALT, ALP, GGT) every 3–6 monthsAbdominal ultrasound for gallbladder responseBilirubin
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Ursodiol?
Ursodiol is a bile acid / hepatoprotective agent used in pets. Hydrophilic bile acid that replaces toxic hydrophobic bile acids, reduces cholesterol saturation in bile, has anti-apoptotic and immunomodulatory effects, and stimulates bile flow (choleresis). Cytoprotective for hepatocytes.
›What is Ursodiol used for in pets?
Ursodiol is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for cholangiohepatitis, primary hepatic diseases, gallbladder mucocele (dis; Used for cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis complex, hepatic lipidosis, and triaditi.
›What is the Ursodiol dose for dogs?
For dogs, Ursodiol is typically dosed as follows — Used for cholangiohepatitis, primary hepatic diseases, gallbladder mucocele (dis: 10–15 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Ursodiol dose for cats?
For cats, Ursodiol is typically dosed as follows — Used for cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis complex, hepatic lipidosis, and triaditi: 10–15 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Ursodiol need a prescription?
Yes. Ursodiol is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
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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