A Guide for Clopidorgrel Bisulfate for Dogs and Cats

The Anticoagulant Used to Treat Pets

By Sam Bourne.

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indications for Clopidogrel Bisulfate

Clopidogrel Bisulfate is an antiplatelet drug that is used to prevent thrombosis in cats. In layman’s terms, this drug makes it so that platelets (cells in your blood that play a major role in clotting) aren’t able to bind together and form clots as effectivly. This drug is used in cats that have a chronic problem with excessive clotting within their arteries (thrombosis), preventing proper circulation to a certain area. This can lead to hypoxia (loss of oxygen) and even anoxia (total loss of oxygen, leading to tissue death). It can also be used to treat hypercoagulability in dogs. Treatment is most effective after 3 days on the medication, and affects platelet production for up to a week after medication is stopped.

Precautions

This drug should not be given to cats or dogs that have a known sensitivity to antiplatelet drugs, or that have a difficulty forming blood clots on their own. This drug should not be given to pregnant, nursing, or breeding cats or dogs. Risk of excessive bleeding when used in conjunction with NSAID type drugs (rimadyl, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen). Use of Clopidogrel with the anticonvulsant phenytoin, or the diuretic torsemide, can affect the metabolism of the patient. Clopidogrel should not be taken in concert with other anticoagulants, like warfarin, due to risk of excessive bleeding and a change in metabolism.

Dosage

Cats
18.75mg (1/4 of a 75mg tablet) once a day. Dosage is not based on weight.

Dogs
Consult your vet.

Brand/Generic equivalents

Plavix

Side Effects

Vomiting and loss of appetite can occur, as well as excessive bleeding and black, tarry stools.

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Clopidogrel Bisulfate at a glance

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  • 1For cats and dogs
  • 2An anticoagulant
  • 3An oral medication
  • 4Used to prevent blood clots

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