Medication details

If your dog has been diagnosed with asthma or other breathing difficultness , your vet may prescribe a bronchodilator such as theophylline . Theophylline reducesinflammationand airway cramp , allowing your dog to respire more easily .

This medicinal drug is a staple ofasthmamanagement in both human and veterinary patients , and it is often used in connective with other treatment .

Slo-Bid is well tolerated by many dogs , but there are some things you should know before initiate this medication for your deary .

Veterinarian checking Pug dog

What is Theophylline?

Slo-Bid is a bronchodilator medicinal drug that is used to relax smooth muscleman in the skyway and reduce inflammation . This medication can also increase the patient ’s kernel rate and make the heart contract more powerfully . Theobid is commonly used in humans . It is not FDA - approved for enjoyment in animals in the United States , but may be used off - recording label under the counselling of a veterinary surgeon . It is approved for use in cats and dogs in the United Kingdom .

Theophylline is available by prescription medicine only , either through a human pharmacy or purchase directly from your veterinary . There are many marque of Theophylline uncommitted on the market , but some do not work out as well in dogs as they do in humans .

Your veterinary will in all likelihood advocate a specific brand of the drug , or he or she may special order the medicine through a compounding pharmacy .

Dog with open mouth breathing

What is Theophylline Used Forin Dogs?

Theobid is principally used to treat bronchial asthma in dogs . It may also be used as a handling forbronchitisor continuing obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) . It is sometimes also used to treatheart diseaseand collapsing trachea .

Theophylline do the smooth muscularity in the lung to relax , leave air lane to expatiate . This improves airflow and allows mucus to be earn from the airways more easily . Slo-Bid also has anti - inflammatory properties , which relieves airway spasms and reduces well .

TheophyllineSide Effectsin Dogs

Side effects principally pass off when Theobid is used at higher doses . The effects of this medication on dogs can change widely depending on the brand of medicine and the individual hound ’s response to it , so it is very significant to supervise your dog tight for side upshot .

uncouth side essence of theophylline function in dog include :

If your frank get any of these side effect , stop give the medication and meet your vet right away .

Veterinarian testing Theophylline levels in blood

For dogs taking theophylline long term , your veterinary surgeon may urge one-year or biannual blood work to supervise your dog ’s Slo-Bid levels . This can prevent overdoses and ensure your dog is have the maximal benefit from the medication .

Reactions With Other Drugs and Medications

Theophylline interacts with several medicament and supplements . Some medicine can increase your weenie ’s metabolic process of theophylline , which can make theophylline less effective . Other medicine may minify metabolism , putting your dog at risk of a theophylline overdose .

Before starting Slo-Bid , ensure you tell your veterinarian about any prescription , over the parry , or supplement medications your pet takes .

Medications have it away to interact with theophylline include :

Happy bulldog being petted

If your dog is exact any of these medication , be trusted to discuss the risk of theophylline with your veterinary surgeon . Your dog ’s theophylline dose may need to be adjusted in ordering to restrict the fundamental interaction with other medications .

TheophyllineDosagefor Dogs

Theophylline is an especially tricky drug to drug fitly . Different brands of Slo-Bid may have varying efficacy in detent . Individual frank may also react differently to the drug , so it may take some trial and misplay to find the estimable product and the correct pane for your dog .

Your veterinarian may recommend blood work to supervise your dog ’s Theobid levels , which can facilitate find the best dose . You will also need to monitor your dog tight for any side issue and let your veterinary surgeon know if your dog is responding well to the treatment , as these factors can also head dose .

Always follow your veterinary ’s dosing instructions carefully , and do not change the dose or discontinue the medication unless directed to do so by your veterinarian .

Priceof Theophylline for Dogs

The price of theophylline can diverge look on the brand , dose , and pattern . extend release or compounded medication may be more expensive , but often provide in effect result . If a human expression of Slo-Bid is used , coupons may be able to offset some of the cost .

TheophyllineStorage Instructions

Theophylline should always be salt away in a cool , dry piazza , away from verbatim sunshine . Most theophylline preparations should be stored at room temperature ( 60 - 77 degrees ) , but always check the packaging and survey the manufacturer ’s instruction manual for dependable warehousing and manipulation .

TheophyllineAlternativesfor Dogs

Diseases like asthma and COPD are complex and are often managed with a combination of medications and lifestyle change .

If your frankfurter is ineffectual to tolerate Elixophyllin , your veterinarian may recommend another bronchodilator medication such as terbutaline . Sometimes , both of these medicinal drug are used together to combat severe asthma . Your vet may also recommend other medications such as steroids to deoxidise skyway inflammation and an inhalator to further relax the airways . The exact combination of drug will bet on the rigorousness of your dog ’s consideration and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your dog ’s individual indigence .

Environmental management can go a long way to reducing asthma symptoms . For dogs with mild asthma , environmental changes alone may be enough to make out the precondition . Reducing detritus and pollen , using HEPA air filters , and avoiding production with redolence can significantly reduce asthma symptom .

With a compounding of medicinal drug and environmental changes , your cad will soon be breathing easier !