Product
Info
Digoxin
is a prescription heart medication used in canines and felines. The
product is available in 0.125mg and 0.25mg tablets.
What
the product cures
Digoxin
is indicated for treating heart problems such as heart failure,
arrhythmia, and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Pet
Symptoms
Cardiomyopathy
is a general term used to describe diseases affecting the muscles in
the heart. The condition can be further categorized into three types;
dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive cardiomyopathy.
Dilated
cardiomyopathy develops when the muscles in the heart are unable to
contract correctly. This affects the circulatory system, as not
enough blood is pumped throughout the body, which then leads to
various problems such as tachycardia, arrhythmia, and heart failure.
This type of cardiomyopathy is more prevalent in large dog breeds and
is thought to be hereditary. Cats can also develop the condition
although it is not as common, and it is usually a result of taurine
deficiency.
In
felines, the most common form of cardiomyopathy is hypertrophic. It
is a genetic condition that has an unknown cause and that results in
thickening of the cardiac muscle and an abnormality in cell
development. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is also seen in felines and
occurs when the chambers of the heart fill in, causing a disruption
in blood circulation.
What
are the symptoms of cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy
symptoms can vary, depending on the type and severity of the
condition. In certain occasions, dilated cardiomyopathy causes
fainting, lethargy, and sometimes even premature death. These
symptoms typically occur as a result of fluctuating electrical charge
in the cardiac muscle. If the pet has a chronic form of
cardiomyopathy, it usually develops into heart failure and causes
symptoms such as; respiratory issues, coughing, ascites (fluid
accumulation in the abdominal cavity), lethargy, low tolerance to
heat and activity, and fluid buildup in the thorax or lungs. In most
cats, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy causes no symptoms. However, the
condition can cause fainting, trouble breathing, blood clots, and
premature death.
How
is the condition treated?
There
is no cure for cardiomyopathy, but there are medications available to
help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. In cats, blood
thinners may also be prescribed, as they have a higher risk of
developing blood clots.
Pet
Ailments
Pet
ailments commonly treated with Digoxin include; congestive heart
failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, chronic valve disease, heart wall
defects, arrhythmia, heartworm infection, hypertension, and
endocarditis.
Pets
with Ailments
Relative
info on breed most associated with this ailment
Hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy seems to be a genetic condition in cats, with the most
affected breeds being Maine Coons, Shorthaired, and Persians. In
canines, breeds susceptible to the disease include; Cocker Spaniel
(English and American), Great Dane, Springer Spaniel, German
Shepherd, St. Bernard, Labrador, Newfoundland, Cavalier King Charles
Spaniel, Boxer, and Doberman.
Questions
for the vet & product
1.
Is there anything I should talk with my vet about before Digoxin is
prescribed?
Let
your vet know if your dog or cat has been diagnosed with renal or
thyroid disease, or is on any other heart drugs. It is also advised
that you let him or her know if your pet is expecting or nursing.
2.
What happens if I miss giving a dose?
The
skipped dose should be given ASAP, unless it is just about time for
the next one, in which case you can wait to give it then as usual. Do
NOT give two doses to make up for the missed one.
3.
What if an overdose happens?
Prompt
veterinary care should be sought for your pet. Signs of a Digoxin
overdose include; vomiting, loss of appetite, loose stools,
confusion, seizures, lethargy, arrhythmia, tachycardia, and
bradycardia.
4.
Are there any side effects associated with the use of Digoxin?
Take
your pet to the nearest vet clinic if an allergic reaction (collapse,
facial inflammation, hives, respiratory issues, etc.) or serious side
effects develop. These include; arrhythmia, rapid heartbeat,
bradycardia, unusual behavior, and hallucinations. If mild side
effects occur, continue with treatment as planned and consult with
your vet as soon as possible for further guidance. Less serious side
effects linked to the medication include; lethargy, sleepiness, loose
stools, decreased hunger, nausea, and balance issues.
5.
Are there any drug contraindications I should know about?
Drugs
that may be contraindicated with the use of Digoxin include;
antacids, beta-blockers, diuretics, chemotherapy agents, laxatives,
calcium channel blockers, steroidal drugs, erythromycin,
metoclopramide, levothyroxine, tetracycline, and any medication or
supplements containing kaolin-pectin or aluminum magnesium.
How
it Works
Digoxin
helps minimize cardiac strain and improve overall heart function by
decreasing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and making heart
contractions more potent.
Directions
for use
This
drug is available with a prescription only and should be given as
instructed by your veterinarian. The medication should be
administered on an empty stomach and around the same time daily. It
is also important that plenty of water is provided throughout
treatment.
Dosage
and administration: The
usual dosage for dogs is 0.0025mg to 0.005mg per pound twice daily
(every 12 hrs.), and 0.0015mg to 0.002mg per pound twice a day (every
12 hours) for cats.
Ingredients
This
product contains 0.125mg or 0.25mg of Digoxin depending on the
strength.
Product
Cautions
Do
NOT adjust your pet’s dosage without first consulting with your
veterinarian, as it can result in serious side effects.
Let
your vet know if your pet develops appetite loss, vomiting, loose
stools, balance issues, urination problems, or lethargy while taking
Digoxin.
Do
NOT stop treatment all of a sudden. This can worsen your pet’s
condition and lead to complications.
Regular
blood work and additional tests may be required to keep Digoxin
levels in your pet’s body safe.
PHYSICAL
OR CHEMICAL HAZARDS:
Keep
secure where children and pets cannot reach
This
product is for use in animals only.
FIRST
AID:
If
swallowed: Loosen
accessories and clothes and seek medical help as soon as possible. Do
NOT give anything orally if the victim isn’t awake or cause
vomiting, unless told to do so by a physician.
If
in eyes: Remove
contacts and rinse eyes with clean water for a minimum of 15 minutes.
Get help from a healthcare professional right away.
If
on skin: Use
water to wash affected area thoroughly for 15 minutes or so, followed
by an application of moisturizer. Remove clothing, shoes, and
accessories that have been spoiled. Consult with your doctor for
further guidance.
If
inhaled:
Place victim in an area where fresh air is readily accessible. Seek
emergency medical help and perform mouth to mouth if necessary.
Storage
& Disposal
Storage:
Keep
product at room temperature in its original container and away from
light/heat.
Disposal:
Dispose
of container and medication in accordance to waste regulations.
Brand
vs. generic comparison: Digoxin
is the generic version of brand name drugs such as Cardoxin and
Lanoxin.