Hydroxychloroquine for dogs treats certain autoimmune diseases, such as discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).
It is thought to work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. It is an effective treatment for many autoimmune diseases, but it can also have serious side effects, especially if it is not used properly.
How is HCQ used in dogs?
This Medication is to be taken by dogs orally, in the form of tablets or capsules. It is usually given once a day, but in some cases, it may be given twice a day.
The dosage of hydroxychloroquine for dogs varies depending on the size of the dog and the condition being treated. It is important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully when giving your dog.
What conditions are treated with hydroxychloroquine in dogs?
This is used to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases in dogs, including:
- Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)
- Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Immune-mediated polyarthritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Pemphigus foliaceus
- Vasculitis
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE):
It is the most common type of cutaneous lupus in dogs. DLE is most commonly seen in middle-aged to older dogs, and some breeds, such as Collies, German Shepherds, and Shetland Sheepdogs, are more predisposed to developing the disease.
The exact cause of DLE is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. DLE is characterized by the presence of round or oval, red, raised, and scaly lesions on the skin. The lesions most commonly occur on the nose, ears, and lips, but they can also occur on other parts of the body
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE):
CLE is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some breeds of dogs are more predisposed to developing CLE than others. CLE is also more common in middle-aged to older dogs.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE):
It is caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissues and organs. SLE can be a serious and debilitating disease, but with hydroxychloroquine for dogs with proper treatment, most dogs with SLE can live long and relatively normal lives.
Rheumatoid arthritis:
RA is a relatively rare condition in dogs, but it can occur in any breed at any age. Some breeds, such as Poodles, Rottweilers, and Shar-Peis, are more predisposed to developing RA than others.
Immune-mediated polyarthritis:
The exact cause of IMPA in dogs is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some possible triggers for IMPA include infections, vaccinations, and trauma.
Inflammatory bowel disease:
IBD can be a serious and debilitating condition, but with proper treatment and by taking hydroxychloroquine for dogs with IBD they can live long and relatively normal lives.
Pemphigus foliaceous:
PF is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain breeds of dogs, such as Akitas, Chow Chows, and Cocker Spaniels, are more predisposed to developing PF. PF can occur at any age, but it is most common in middle-aged dogs.
Vasculitis:
Vasculitis is an inflammation of blood vessels. Vasculitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and medications.
Other conditions which hydroxychloroquine for dogs can treat
- Malaria
- Babesiosis
- Ehrlichiosis
- Lyme disease
- Rheumatoid vasculitis
- Myasthenia gravis
- Dermatomyositis
- Polymyositis
Malaria:
If you suspect that your dog may have malaria, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of hydroxychloroquine for dogs is essential for a good outcome
Babesiosis:
There is no vaccine for babesiosis in dogs, so prevention is key. This includes using tick-prevention products on your dog and avoiding areas where ticks are common.
Ehrlichiosis:
Dogs can contract ehrlichiosis through the bite of an infected tick. The bacteria enters the dog’s bloodstream and infects the white blood cells. The bacteria multiply and destroy the white blood cells, which can lead to a number of health problems, including anaemia, bleeding disorders, and immune system suppression.
Lyme disease:
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to dogs through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. It is one of the most common tick-borne diseases in the world.
Rheumatoid vasculitis:
Rheumatoid vasculitis is a rare inflammatory condition that affects the blood vessels. It is caused by the immune system attacking the walls of the blood vessels, which can lead to inflammation, narrowing, and blockage of the vessels.
Myasthenia gravis:
MG can affect any muscle in the body, but it most commonly affects the muscles of the face, eyes, throat, and neck. The weakness caused by MG can be mild or severe, and it can worsen with activity and improve with rest.
Dermatomyositis:
If your Dog has dermatomyositis, it is important to work closely with your doctor to manage the condition. With hydroxychloroquine for dogs, their treatment could be easy and most Dogs can live long and active lives.
Polymyositis:
The cause of polymyositis in dogs is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some dogs with polymyositis have other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
What are the side effects of hydroxychloroquine for dogs?
Hydroxychloroquine can have a variety of side effects in dogs, including:
- Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite)
- Weight loss
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Skin changes
- Eye problems (blurred vision, halos around lights)
- Seizures
- Bone marrow suppression
- Heart problems
Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite):
Avoid making sudden changes to your dog’s diet. If your dog is experiencing gastrointestinal upset, it is important to take them to the veterinarian to determine the cause and get the appropriate treatment. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help your dog feel better:
Weight loss:
Dogs who are not eating enough or are not getting the right nutrients will lose weight. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as a change in diet, a medical condition, or stress.
Muscle weakness:
If you notice that your dog is experiencing muscle weakness, it is important to take them to a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Once the underlying cause of the muscle weakness is diagnosed, your hydroxychloroquine for dogs can develop a treatment plan to help strengthen your dog’s muscles and improve their mobility.
Fatigue:
If you notice that your dog is experiencing fatigue, it is important to take them to the veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Once the underlying cause of the fatigue is diagnosed, your veterinarian can develop a treatment plan to help your dog improve their energy levels.
Hair loss:
If your dog is struggling to regrow their hair on their own, your veterinarian may prescribe medication or therapy to help them. With proper care and support, most dogs with hair loss can make a full recovery.
Skin changes:
Stress can also make skin changes worse, so it is important to manage your dog’s stress levels as much as possible.
Eye problems:
Blurred vision and halos around lights are two of the most common symptoms of eye problems in dogs.
Seizures:
If possible, try to identify the triggers for your dog’s seizures and avoid them. Triggers can include certain foods, environmental factors, or stress.
Bone marrow suppression:
Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics, can cause bone marrow suppression as a side effect.
Heart problems:
Mitral valve disease is a condition in which the mitral valve, one of the four valves in the heart, does not close properly. This can lead to a leak of blood back into the left atrium of the heart.
It is important to note that not all dogs will experience side effects from HCQ. However, it is important to be aware of the hydroxychloroquine for dogs potential risks before giving your dog this medication.
How long do dogs take hydroxychloroquine?
Dogs typically need to take it for the rest of their lives. This is because HCQ Medicine does not cure autoimmune diseases, it only helps to control the symptoms.
If your dog is taking this medicine, monitoring them closely for any side effects is important. You should also take your dog to the veterinarian for regular checkups to make sure that the medication is working and that they are not experiencing any adverse effects.
How to give hydroxychloroquine to your dog?
The best way to give HCQ Medication to your dog is to mix it with their food. This will help to make the medication more palatable and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset.
If your dog is reluctant to eat their food with hydroxychloroquine mixed in, you can try hiding the medication in a treat or pill pocket. You can also try giving your dog the medication with a small amount of water or milk.
If you have trouble giving your dog hydroxychloroquine, talk to your veterinarian. They may be able to offer you some tips or prescribe a different form of the medication.
Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine can interact with a variety of other medications, including:
- Antacids
- Digoxin
- Warfarin
- Insulin
- Phenobarbital
- Cimetidine
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconazole
- Rifampin
- Phenytoin
- Carbamazepine
before starting hydroxychloroquine for dogs, It is important to tell your veterinarian about all of the other medications therapy.
Conclusion
Hydroxychloroquine for dogs is an effective treatment for a variety of autoimmune diseases. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of this medication and to monitor your dog closely while they are taking it. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, talk to your veterinarian.