Digoxin

Heart disease can seem scary, especially when it's affecting your beloved pet.Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside heart medication primarily prescribed for managing certain abnormal heart rhythms and congestive heart failure in humans. However, it's also employed off-label in veterinary medicine to address various heart conditions in pets, including cats, dogs, ferrets, and horses.

This medication is typically administered orally as a tablet or liquid and can be given with or without food. In hospital settings, an injection form is also available for immediate use.

In cases where vomiting occurs, especially on an empty stomach, administering the medication with food or a treat can help mitigate this issue. However, pet owners must carefully measure liquid doses to prevent accidental overdose.

Effectiveness and Missed Doses - Pets usually exhibit the medication's effectiveness within 1 to 2 hours of administration. If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as remembered. However, skipping the missed one is advised if it's close to the next scheduled dose.

• Side Effects and Monitoring -Common side effects of digoxin include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, tiredness, and behavior changes. More severe reactions, such as collapse or muscle weakness, require immediate attention. While these effects typically subside within a few days, they may linger longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.

• Precautions and Interactions -Digoxin is not suitable for pets allergic to it or those with excessive levels in their bloodstream. Caution is advised when using it in animals with specific conditions like certain arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, kidney disease, heart failure, or subaortic stenosis. Additionally, pet parents exercise caution when administering digoxin alongside various other medications, including alprazolam, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, fluoxetine, NSAIDs, and thyroid supplements.

• Monitoring and Storage -Regularly monitoring serum digoxin levels, appetite, body weight, electrolytes, kidney function, and electrocardiograms during therapy is necessary. The medication should be stored at room temperature (59F to 86F or 15C to 30C) and shielded from light.

In case of an overdose or adverse reactions, contacting the veterinary office immediately is crucial. They can guide further steps, including directions for reaching an emergency facility if the veterinary office is unavailable. It's imperative to follow their instructions diligently to ensure the pet's well-being.