If you have a spayed female dog that is experiencing urinary incontinence, you understand the challenges and frustrations that come with it. Luckily, there is a medication called Incurin® that can help alleviate this issue and improve your furry friend’s quality of life. In this article, we will explore what Incurin® is, how it works, its directions for use, possible side effects, and more.
What is Incurin®?
Incurin® is a short-acting estrogen that is specifically designed to treat estrogen-responsive urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs. Before prescribing this medication, it is crucial to consider all factors that may contribute to urinary incontinence in your dog.
How Incurin® Works
Incurin® contains estriol, a naturally occurring short-acting estrogen that is produced by the ovaries in female dogs. Estriol works by increasing the muscle tone of the urethral sphincter, allowing it to contract and strengthen. This prevents urine from leaking and effectively treats urinary incontinence caused by low estrogen levels. One of the benefits of estriol is its reduced risk for serious side effects, making it a safe and reliable choice for your furry companion.
Incurin® Directions
To ensure the best results, it is essential to follow the directions provided by your veterinarian and the ones listed on the drug label. Incurin® should be dosed according to your pet’s individual response to the medication. Your veterinarian will closely monitor your dog’s progress and make any necessary adjustments to the dosage.
During follow-up visits, your veterinarian will evaluate whether your dog’s urinary incontinence is well controlled. If it is, they may suggest lowering the dose to a maintenance level. It is generally recommended to wait at least 7 days between dosing adjustments.
In terms of administration, Incurin® can be given with or without food. However, it is crucial to always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian. Please note that this medication should not be dosed based on your dog’s weight.
Missed a Dose?
If you happen to forget a dose of Incurin®, give it to your dog as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Avoid giving extra or double doses to make up for the missed one.
Incurin® Possible Side Effects
Like any medication, Incurin® may cause some side effects in a small number of dogs. These side effects can include anorexia or loss of appetite, vomiting, increased thirst, swollen vulva, anxiety, inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis), lack of energy (lethargy), and aggression/hyperactivity.
It’s important to note that while estrogens have been linked to bone marrow suppression in the past, this has not been reported when using estriol at recommended dosing levels. Nonetheless, it’s always best to be vigilant and monitor your pet’s well-being throughout the treatment period.
Human Side Effects
Incurin® can also affect the human body. To protect yourself, it is recommended to wear gloves when handling the medication or wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after administration. Pregnant individuals, those of child-bearing age, or those who are breastfeeding should exercise caution when using this medication. It’s important to remember that Incurin® is not approved for use in humans. In case of accidental ingestion, contact your physician or call the national Poison Control Center hotline at 800-222-1222.
Monitoring
Your veterinarian may recommend routine blood testing before starting Incurin® and periodically throughout the treatment. This is because estrogen medications have the potential to affect the bone marrow and alter thyroid hormone levels. Additional testing may be advised based on your pet’s individual needs and other medications they may be taking.
If you observe any severe side effects listed above or suspect an overdose, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. For any additional questions or concerns about the use of Incurin®, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet or pharmacist.
Incurin® Overdose Information
In the event of an overdose, vomiting and diarrhea may occur, with the severity depending on the extent of the overdose. Other possible symptoms include redness and swelling of the vulva, vulvar discharge, enlargement of the mammary glands, and changes in white blood cell counts.
If you suspect an overdose, it is vital to immediately contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center. Keep in mind that consultation fees may apply. Here are two helpline numbers you can reach out to:
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
Incurin® Storage
To ensure the effectiveness of Incurin®, it should be stored at controlled room temperature at or below 77°F. Brief exposure to temperatures up to 104°F is acceptable. Remember to keep the tablets in their blister packs until use to protect them from moisture and light. For specific storage requirements, always refer to the label.
Finally, it is crucial to store Incurin® out of reach of children and pets to prevent any accidental ingestion.
Incurin® FAQs
At Katten TrimSalon, we understand that you may have additional questions about Incurin®. Feel free to browse through our frequently asked questions section on our website here for more information.
Remember, urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs can be managed with the right treatment. Incurin® provides a safe and effective solution to help your furry companion live life to the fullest. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if Incurin® is the right choice for your dog’s specific needs.