Replaces hydrophobic toxic bile acids with hydrophilic ursodeoxycholic acid, protecting hepatocyte membranes; also has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and choleretic effects
At a glance
Class
Hepatoprotectant / Bile acid (hydrophilic)
Dosing
Chronic hepatitis / Cholestatic liver disease / Gallbladder mucocele (early)
Frequency
SID to BID (with food)
Duration: Long-term; months to years
Cholangitis / Hepatic lipidosis / Cholestatic disease
Duration: Long-term
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.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Adverse effects
Serious
Rare: hepatotoxicity at very high doses
Hepatic enzymesBile acidsAbdominal ultrasound
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.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic Acid)?
Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) is a hepatoprotectant / bile acid (hydrophilic) used in pets. Replaces hydrophobic toxic bile acids with hydrophilic ursodeoxycholic acid, protecting hepatocyte membranes; also has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and choleretic effects
›What is Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) used for in pets?
Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) is used in veterinary medicine for: Chronic hepatitis / Cholestatic liver disease / Gallbladder mucocele (early); Cholangitis / Hepatic lipidosis / Cholestatic disease.
›What is the Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) is typically dosed as follows — Chronic hepatitis / Cholestatic liver disease / Gallbladder mucocele (early): 10–15 mg/kg PO SID to BID (with food). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) dose for cats?
For cats, Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) is typically dosed as follows — Cholangitis / Hepatic lipidosis / Cholestatic disease: 10–15 mg/kg PO SID (with food). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic Acid)?
Common: Mild diarrhoea. Serious (call your vet immediately): Rare: hepatotoxicity at very high doses.
›Does Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) need a prescription?
Yes. Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) not be used?
Do not use Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) if: Complete biliary obstruction.
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.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database