Friday, December 25, 2009

Side effects of denamarin

I have been getting many hits on this site on possible side effects to denamarin. Denamarin is a combination of Sylimarin (milk thistle) and SAMe. Denamarin is considered extremely safe if administered in the recommended dosage. One important point to make is it should be administered on an empty stomach. It has been known to cause diarrhea in some cases. SAMe can cause some dogs to vomit. But you can switch, with the advice of your vet, to standard milk thistle, liquid vitamin E and a B complex with C. The E and C enhance the effects of the milk thistle. I have taken Macy off Denamarin. Not that she was having problems with the medication, but she was doing beautifully on the milk thistle plus vitamins. She had come completely out of jaundice, was eating well and had regained all her weight. I must add it is cheaper to make your own denamarin. Here is what she gets. One 500 milligram milk thistle 2x a day, One 200 IU vitamin E soft gel (you can also find this in liquid form at a good health food store) 1x a day, Vitamin B complex with C (make sure this includes at least 50 milligrams of B12) 1x a day. You can pick the dosage you want. I tend to get the highest, 1000 milligrams. Vitamin K, 100 milligrams, 1x a day before bedtime. The vet had prescribed 50 milligrams, but the pills are tiny and impossible to cut in half. I upped the ante and watched her carefully. She has done just fine on the higher dosage. Again, I must emphasize that SAMe and vitamin E are not the same. SAMe is a biochemical produced by amino acids and used specifically for liver disease. Vitamin E is a supplement that enhances the effects of milk thistle. Partner with your vet before you make the switch and closely monitor the results. If you are noticing side effects to denamarin, vomiting and diarrhea are most common, make sure you are administering the medication on an empty stomach first. If that does not help, then ask your vet if you might try the above substitute I have found milk thistle to be tremendously effective in Macy's improved health. But the addition of vitamin B, C and E were important too. For more on that read here. I must encourage bookmarking this site for any questions on pet health or medications. They have a wealth of information in their library that is very user friendly. The other thing I like about their site is it is very balanced in it's opinion. Whenever I have a question, they are my first source of reference. Bookmark it, flag it or make me really happy and make it your home page. Merry Christmas to you all! Got lots coming up in the next few weeks, so stay tuned. We are addressing traditional heartworm and flea medications, the study just published in New Zealand on the global impact of pets and discussing more of the searches that land you on my page...successfully or unsuccessfully. This all takes a bit of work, but stay tuned. I really enjoy your feedback, so please don't be shy! Happy Holidays and all the best for the new year! Margot Hackett

96 comments:

Unknown said...

I just started denamarin for my 16 yo jack russell and did not give it on an empty stomach and have noticed some diarrhea. I'll hold it until the diarrhea resolves then restart with care to give it on an empty stomach. Thanks!

Margot said...

Your welcome!

Vivian said...

One would think that taking it on an empty stomach would actually increase gastric irritation and hence diarrhea. Seems weird that taking it with food would lead to diarrhea and not on an empty stomach. I thought that the advice to take on an empty stomach was in the literature, which was to enhance absorption because taking it with food greatly reduces its effect, and not because of bad side effects. I wonder if Donald's jack russell did any better or worse on an empty stomach.

Rasta Joy said...

My Aussie recently went to the ER with a case of high fever due to suspected hepatitis. He was sent home with a 2-week course of Denamarin. He's done beautifully on it (he is also on antibiotics). He was always dosed on an empty stomach and had no problems. My vet suggested buying ingredients over the counter, but we haven't yet discussed the components and their amounts, so thank you for the assist with that.

Margot said...

Rasta, How is your Aussie doing?
A high fever and high biliruben could indeed indicate either hepatitis or leptospirosis. If you have not done so already, you will want to run a lepto test and, if that is negative, proceed with an ultrasound and a biopsy.
Not cheap! I think my bill was over 6 grand.

I was able to save a lot on the expenses by going over the counter where possible. Vitamins E,C, B and K are all available at your supermarket or pharmacy.

Vitamin K, used to prevent internal bleeding in liver disease, is available at any good natural health store and the savings are significant. The chewable vitamin K the vet was giving me was $50 for a months supply. I was able to buy a three month plus supply at my natural health center for around $12 dollars. (K must also be administered on an empty stomach.)

If your vet prescribes ampicillan, ask him/her for a written prescription. Publix supermarkets will fill them for free and Walmart will fill for something like three dollars.

Denamarin can be purchased at 1-800-Pet Meds at roughly a $20 dollar savings over purchasing at your vets.

Su said...

My 12-year old toy poodle was diagnosed with liver failure at the end of December 2011. Her liver enzyme count was way over the top. I expected the worst. The vet prescribed Denamarin and Dibley's been on it ever since. Together with a complete change in diet - everything prepared by me and no dog foods - she seems to be doing okay (I've even got her eating cottage cheese!). She definitely has quality of life. She's had a loose tum just once, but I wouldn't say it was the fault of Denamarin. The very first thing we do in the mornings is feed her the Denamarin. I'm hoping the next blood test results will show some improvement.

Tami said...

I was wondering since the vitamin E and SAMe weren't the same - did you give SAMe also? They just put our 11y/o dog on Denamarin for elevated liver enzymes and would prefer a less expensive route of improving her health

Margot said...

I didn't because it wasn't available here Tami. And trust me I looked. I used regular, old vitamin E. But that is recommended as well for dogs with this condition. About 250 IU daily for a dog 25lbs. I would suggest you take a look at my post regarding diet and meds for a dog with liver disease. It will lay it out for you

Margot said...

Su, I am so glad to hear your poodle is not having an issue with Denamarin. Macy didn't either. But it was made clear to me on the day it was prescribed, it must be on an empty stomach. So I would pill her in the morning an hour before mealtime.

Margot said...

For you guys wondering, I strongly suggest you take a look at at Cyndi Smasal's book on diet and meds. It's called "Hope for healing liver disease." She really did the footwork on this issue. I emailed her and told her what a revelation she was to me.

Margot said...

You can find it on Amazon.

Wyldwood said...

Regarding Vitamin C: be aware that dogs- unlike humans- actually make their own C, so if you supplement with C, their system will eventually cease to produce it (depending on amounts supplemented). The only downside to this is that you then MUST provide ALL the C they require.

There is some good quantitative research out there on the 'net for further reading.

Caroline said...

You can purchase Denamarin for dogs online, for half the cost of the supplement from the vet. As I have a smaller 18.4lb dog, I will stick with the vet's idea for supplementation and not overdose the dog on vitamins. That is not a good thing either. Would not be cheaper for me to buy the other ingredients and have to put them together myself that I can see.

No prescription needed online.

Anonymous said...

My dog has had two SERIOUS nose bleeds while taking Denamarin. She was also taking tramadol for spine pain. I mean serious like 25 percent of her blood. When not taking the tramadol she was fine with the Denamarin . Any one else have an issue With nose bleeds while on this?

Margot said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Margot said...

Tramadol can do that. Not saying that is what is happening with your dog but Nsaids, Non steroidal, anti inflammatory drugs, are notorious. Admittedly this is the first I've heard of bleeding through the nose. But it doesn't surprise me. Get your dog to a vet. Have a complete blood work up done, especially liver panels. If those strike suspect, get her off the meds permanent and retest in a month. I know that sounds expensive but you can just test the liver. But get her of the Tramadol!!

marigold said...

it appears the SAMe question was still not answered! gievelsEn17ving vitamins are not the same as SAMe...by any stretch...Administering SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine), which is found in Denamarin, has been shown to markedly increase liver levels of glutathione,an important compound for liver health formed when SAMe is metabolized. The SAMe in Denamarin has also been shown to help protect liver cells from cell death and may help cell repair and regeneration.has anyone out there successively made theri own denamrin using SAMe and if yes,what is the formula...kindness,
mary beth

Margot said...

So what should I have said in relation to SamE? Your absolutely right as to the benefits. But some dogs get very sick, digestive issues generally.

Anonymous said...

I have a 12 yr old Schipperke who recently, out of the blue started having balance and sight issues. If she leans her head down she has this forward momentum that she cannot control. She Is on phenobarbital And has been for 5 years. Tests were conducted on her liver and it was found her bile acids were elevated. Seeing as they can't figure out as to why she's having these balance issues, they are assuming its from the liver or it's dementia. They started her on Denamarin three days ago and I am hoping for the best. Can anyone offer any information as to how long it takes for this drug to start working? Or has anyone ever experience balance issues in their pets that are having liver trouble?

Anonymous said...

My 8 year old Golden has just been put on Denamarin because of high liver enzymes. I must say that administering the very large pill without food to hide it in is proving stressful. My girl coughs and gags every time. I put the pill far back in the mouth then squirt some water from a syringe to help it go down. She and I both dread it every day. I wish there was a better way!

Anne E said...

I have given my dog Denamarin for 2 years now. At first she had a pill every morning but after a month she got it every second day. That worked well for a year and half, but then I had to start giving it to her every day again.
I give her a pill covered with a thin coat of liverpastry + a tiny bit afterwards - on a empty stomach. It works well - she has no diarrhea or vomits. I make her sit on her hindlegs to take the tablet, that way she has to raise her head so the throat is straight. I use the tiny bit to tempt her so she keeps this postion while she swallows the pill. It works well!

Anonymous said...

I dip the pill in water before putting it in my dogs mouth. I then use more water and holding the muzzle with my hand I rub the underside of her jaw/throat and she swallows just fine. I think the key is the wet pill

Anonymous said...

Regarding your 12yr old Shirperke. Your dogs problem could be the phebobarbital. Even though he has taken it in the past, he may no longer be able tolerate it. I assume he is it for seizures? I work with a rescue and recently one of our dogs was put on phenobarbital for his seizures. He satarted getting symptoms similar to uour dog. Only they got so bad he was staggering and not responding neurologically when taken to the vet. The young vet hinted that the best thing was to euthanize the dog. Our people took the dog to a neurologist we work with. In just a short time, she said it was the pheno. The dog was taken off it and is now his usual happy self. He is being given a different anti seizure drug.

Margot said...

Thank you from one anonymous to another. I hope that has you sorted! I think the mingling of minds never hurts! But if not i will ask. Not my specialty but I will look into it

Margot said...

Anonymous with the Golden. I get that. I so do because I am going through that very thing. So you have a dog with a heightened gag reflex. OK.. most every pharmacy has a pill grinder. You can chew that massive pill into powder and mix it with a bit of water and give it to her that way. Or cut the pill into tiny bits, which is what I have had to do with many of my meds. Royal pain, I grant you, but might work.

Margot said...

In regards to my post, Sam E wasn't available here while Macy was alive. It is now. Consult with your vet as to dosage for weight.

Margot said...

I have the same issue with pills. I have a triple threat when it comes to digestive issues and my gag reflex has become so heightened, it's hard for me to swallow a pill. I grind my pills or chew them if the taste isn't too bad. Like denamarin, they need to be taken on an empty stomach. It's a royal pain in the ass, but it is what it is. But I understand how hard it is to get a dog with a heightened gag reflex to take the pill. Macy was the bomb! I didn't have to pill her unless she was really sick. I would just hold it my palm and she would take it. But I am going through it now with her best friend Bailey who has been diagnosed with dysplasia. She won't eat anything so pilling has become a nightmare.

Anonymous said...

Tramadol isn't a NSAID. In humans, it's trade name is Ultram.

Bing said...

My 10 year old Shih Tzu was just given Denamarin. Now he has NEVER allowed me to put a pill in his throat.
Now after reading your blogs I'm seeing he may develop loose stools..?
I had no choice but to wrap it in a piece of cheese... My question is , Why did the Vet give me a pill form instead of the chewable type??? I just seen the chewable online
I can't believe too the price I was charged at 55.00 a box when their 35.00 online? This makes me angry at these money hungry Vets.. 20.00 ? Is a bit Too much don't you think when we're trying to save our little fur children.
I just gave my little guy his pill less than an hour ago.. Wait and see ...the next box will be ordered online in chewable form..

Anonymous said...

2 years ago, our dog developed Auto Immune Hemolytic Anemia. He was very very sick, but our wonderful vet pulled him through. It did damage to his liver. He was on Denamarin for over a year. We took him off of it due to adverse symptoms. It makes excessive hunger, thirst, panting, and shedding. After we took him off it, these symptoms demished. Last month he had a bad back spasm, which increased his liver enzeymes again. He went back on Denamarin. These symptoms have returned. He just had another blood test in which the enzymes were still elevated. Our vet wants him to continue the Denamarin. We do not want to continue, but I am wondering if we are doing the right thing. He seem's to have increased stomach issue's, but no diarrhea. Has anyone else experienced these symptoms??

Anonymous said...

My dog started to take the denemarin, but he urinates a lot. Everywhere in the house, he urinates. He never done that but I dont know why he's urinating a lot. Ever since he starting to take denamarin, he's doing that. Does anyone know why? Perhaps its like a side effect? Thanks you

Mary said...

Can you please give me some information about Vitamin K? You have posted 100 mg, but all I look at are in mcgs. Is it a typo on your part? Also I see there is K1, K2 and K3. Which is it? Very confusing! THank you!

Anonymous said...

the urinating a lot is part of the liver issues that denamarin is for. My cocker had the same issue but it stopped once the denamarin kicked in.

Anonymous said...

What a great site to have found today. My husband and I have dogs and cats and since we have no children, we try not to stress too hard about the vet bills. This is what we signed up for and we try to make their lives as comfy as possible. One of our small dogs is a schnauzer-chow mix. She had her gallbladder removed 2 years ago. When the surgeon was in there she identified Lily as having chronic liver disease. Since then we've had her on Denamarin and Ursidiol. Her liver enzyme levels went down and all has been well until recently. It sounds just like someone else who wrote in about side-effects. She pants constantly and after all the dogs have eaten, Lily spends an hour cleaning the bowls, she seems insatiable in her hunger and it makes me feel she's undernourished or something just isn't working. She's lost some weight as well. We took her to the vet and had an ultra-sound done. Her kidneys and adrenal glands looked abnormal. Blood-work was fine with a bit more of a spike in her liver numbers. The reason we took her was two-fold, she didn't want to eat and that was a huge red-flag since she seems famished all of the time. Here's what my vet is thinking from the symptoms - that she may be becoming a dog with Cushings Disease (forgive if spelling is wrong). So we are looking this up and reading all we can. I would say she might be onto something for sure for anyone who is witnessing this. Something else that evidently also can tag along after that is Diabetes. I'm a bit worn out on which came first - chicken or egg - on these subjects. She's only 7 years old. I want her to be happy and healthy and do the right thing for her. Today, I didn't give her her Denamarin or Ursidiol as yesterday she threw them up anyway. And today she seems to be less stressed, ate and is laying beside me right now as I type. I'd love some input about this situation. Thanks too for info on getting Denamarin online. I do have a couple helpful hints for the people I read having trouble with the pills. I've had very large and very small dogs as well as cats. I've had to learn to give them all pills in a low-stress good vibe way and for me it works if you wanna give it a go. I life Lily's snout/top of nose upward and the lower jaw automatically begins to drop away and their biting reflex is not as strong in this way. I usually take a bit of yogurt and stick the pill in that (not peanut butter, too thick and the pill gets found out too easily), then I stay lifting the snout and gently put the yogurt/pill blob on the roof of her mouth. She want to swallow it immediately. When I can see she has, I then tilt her chin up and gently rub her throat like I'm helping her swallow. I wouldn't squirt anything in her mouth though as it would make her panic. The other way without food that works for Lily and others I've had is to do the same lift of the snout until her biting reflexes seem disengaged and gently place the pill deep in the back of throat. I then tip her chin up to close her mouth and rub her throat again. I try to be all "zen-like" so she doesn't get stressed from my energy as well and it works pretty well. Not many gags at all. But it took me a long time to make her sort of look forward to it as a "treat". That's where the yogurt comes in handy. Anyway, I hope that helps someone and I really appreciate finding this site! I'll check back in for any feedback! peace n happy holidays to everyone! xo Jennie

DEE said...

Denamarin caplets or Denamarin chewables. Denamarin chewables have additives that the caplets dont't plus it has a terrible odor. My Boston had taken the caplet for months with difficulty because of the size & it couldn't be crushed. Asked vet to get the chewables. This was a nightmare! They were huge & smelled terrible. Broke into 8 pieces to try to get down her. Would place in chicken, beef, etc to disguise the size & odor. This was a continual fight to get down her. She had taken 19 of the chewable & I noticed during this time that her appetite decreased, she would not drink any water, she slept all the time-22 out of 24 hours & when she was awake, she staggered. I thought my Boston was dying. My vet was out of town so I stopped giving her the chewables 5 days ago. Her appetite has been increasing. She is alert & has a bounce in her step today. She has had only two 1 hour naps in 8 hours. Finally got to talk with vet. My Boston is not to take anymore Denamarin chewables & questionable if she will ever take any Denamarin again. Spoke with company that makes Denamarin & they told me that there have been some issues with the Denamarin chewable. Was told that the caplet could be crushed & mixed with a little water & given with a syringe immediately. Also was told that the chewables has additives that the caplets don't. The company also told me that my Boston could have had a reaction to the additives in the chewable. Would love to hear from others if their pets got sick on the Denamarin chewables or even worse- passed. Hope this helps someone to decide not to give their pet the chewable Denamarin. Don't chance it- give the caplet if you have to give.

Unknown said...

Started our 8 year old laid back chihuahua on denamarin two weeks ago after he became extremely sick. Liver enzymes went up to 1600. Think he got into something really bad outside during one if his walks. Stuff is amazing. Within two days he was back to normal. Only thing is he now eats like a small horse. Our chubby Chihuahua (Teddy).

Anonymous said...

My 70lb goldendoolde has been on prednisone (starting with a very high dose for 40mg and slowly tapering) for a month now and as a result his liver function started to suffer. He was prescribed Denamarin about 10 days ago and after a week his liver function improved by about 30% (was 600 yesterday, down from 900). I asked my vet about the Denamarin causing vomiting or diarrhea and she said that abnormal liver function would cause that and is more likely the cause than the Denamarin but was fully supportive of me switching to milk thistle as he is almost off the prednisone and his liver function has improved already. He has had occasional loose stools and about every other night for the past week I wake up to watery puke by the door. She recommended some fiber (canned pumpkin, cooked squash or sweet potato with each meal) for the loose stool and a Famotidine (Pepcid) at night to settle his stomach. Still came down to vomit after the first night on Pepcid but nothing this morning so I'm not sure if that is working for him or not.

Anonymous said...

My 45 pd Aussie started chemo three weeks ago with Elspar, CCNU and prednisone. I've not seen anything about thirst and urination from the chemo, just the steroids.

Anyway, went in for second chemo treatment and found all liver tests were off, so 2nd chemo treatment was postponed. Was prescribed Denamarin and antibiotic, just started today...will keep you posted

Dachshund lover said...

Just a suggestion for those who stated it was difficult for them to administer pills to their dogs....When I give my little mini- dachshund her Denamarin, I take a small bit of Velvetta and bury the pill in that. It's only a tiny little piece of Velvetta but even then, the smell is strong enough for her to grab it and swallow it quickly!
Yesterday evening I noticed that my mini was having difficulty walking. Her behind was wobbling back and forth and both her rear legs were like noodles with her little toes dragging on the ground. Later, it got worse to the point she couldn't even stand. This morning I took her to my regular vet. They couldn't see on x-rays, any bulging discs so prescribed prednisone (she is already on Denamarin). I then took her to a vet who is well-known in administering lasar therapy and accupunture. He thought she will be okay with additional therapy because although she is at stage 4, she reacts to pain when toes are poked and has not lost control with urinating and pooping. My concern is this: Is the combination of prednisone, Denamarin and Tramadol ok for a eleven pound dachshund?

Anonymous said...

I am concerned about what Dee said about the chewable Denamarin. My pom has been on them for 5 months. If the company is having a problem with them why are they not recalling the product? What kind of problem? Should we all be concerned and are we putting our dogs at risk. She also said the tablet could be crushed? I thought it had to remain intact to get down to the stomach. Actually, I am giving the chewable Denosyl and the chewable Marin (the Marin he hates). I don't like the additives either.

As far as making your own Denamarin, I would love to do that but I don't agree with giving any vitamin C and worry about overdoing the amounts of vitamins.

karen said...

Karen does 225 mg denamarin cause sneezing. never did this before. I am giving a 1/2 of a 25 mg tablert of benadryl tab

Anonymous said...

I have a 13yr old Bichon.... she has been diagnosed with a tumor on her liver. Her liver enzymes are extremely high. Plus her pancreas numbers are extremely high. The tumor biopsy results are benign... thank GOD....but they started her on Denamarin 4 days ago.... she's having a hard time walking... appears to be sedated. Wobbles when she walks...and acts as if she's lost...she seems to be confused and scared. She's normally such a happy playful girl.... this is so upsetting to both of us. Also getting the pill down her throat is a nightmare!!! Can they be crushed? My vet said no. But when she gets stressed she gets diarrhea.... and holding her down cramming that pill down her throat is absolutely stressful for her as well as myself. I really need advice on this. And do they have a liquid form?

Anonymous said...

Anonymous, about your 13 yr old Bichon and Denamarin. Our 12 1/2 yr old Min Pin takes Denamarin and I wrap a very tiny piece of bread around the pill and she swallows it without any problems. She loves food and just gulps the bread down. She has been on Denamarin for well over a year now for high liver numbers. Our vet is thinking it could be Cushings disease or liver failure. Her ALT is 268 and her ALK is 1072. Cholesterol is 388 and Tryglicerides are 1201. She's been on home cooked low fat meals for years, ever since all the recalls on dog food years ago. I wasn't going to take any chances with her.

Anonymous said...

I am giving my dog 425 mg denamarin the one in purple box. Can you please tell me what is supposed to be the color of the tablets itself? Is it supposed to be "blue"?
Tux!

Margot said...

I am trying to remember the color of Macy's denamarin. It was five years ago and I think they were white. Blue would have raised a red flag. Any food coloring is an issue with a liver patient.

Anonymous said...

I coat the pill lightly with butter or margarine & place the pill far back on my dog's tongue. I gently hold her muzzle shut & she swallows the pill right down. The butter keeps the pill from sticking to her tongue. It's gone in literally a second.

sassy said...

pill is blue.

Anonymous said...

My yorkie Sassy weighed 4 1/2 lbs got real sick.lost a lb. X-ray showed something wrong with liver. enzymes Up + pancreas & bun. another vet told me to give Denamarin. gave her the pill in turkey bacon then some water hole box .got the chewables, she choked, got real sick. just now crushed with some water, then some more water & pc turkey bacon. she's acting like it didn't agree:( I thought the chewable would be better. praying she doesn't get real sick!!

JON said...

Our Scottish Terrier, Maxwell, had a senior blood panel recently and it showed his liver enzymes at about 750. Scotties genetically display higher levels but not nearly this high. The Vet put him on Denamarin for 3 weeks & did another blood panel which showed the enzymes increasing to over 900. Maxwell's subsequent ultrasound showed a slight liver enlargement that can be attributed to age (he's 11) but no other abnormalities. Max was totally a-symptomatic during the entire process and was just his normal, goofy self. We shared his experience with the members of our Scottie Rescue group and two of them shared that their Scotties saw increased liver enzymes after being put on Denamarin. Switching to milk thistle saw their levels start to decline. It's a head scratcher but 3 dogs of the same breed, having identical symptoms seems like more than a coincidence.

TJ said...

Hi, I'm not sure how old this post is but my dog has been on denamarin for quite some time. Her liver enzymes are still high. I personally do not like giving her denamarin because she has become very itchy all over and also as you say very very hungry all the time I do believe it is the denamarin. I'm going to take her off of it and see if it helps and try and do the over-the-counter vitamins but I'm going to let her system clean out a bit before I start.

Maya's mom said...

Hi,Was wondering if you all think it is okay to give my 10 year old lhasa apso the denamarin the night before.She has done well on it but for past few days would have loose stools with the pill in it...I always give it on an empty stomach.Thanks so much .Maya's mom

Unknown said...

Put the pill in a small diced potato. I get the del Monte diced new potatos. My dog loves them and me decide email time is always a treat for him. He hears the pill bottles and knows it's treat time

Unknown said...

Put the pill in a small diced potato. I get the del Monte diced new potatos. My dog loves them and me decide email time is always a treat for him. He hears the pill bottles and knows it's treat time

Jennifer said...

My dog is epileptic and is on phenobarbitone and keppra. Blood tests have just revealed her liver is suffering, although only slightly elevated, her albumin levels are dangerously low. I have been reading about Denamarin and Sam-E and have ordered from my vet to begin her on this. I've also lowered her pheno dose. You say you had a dog in your rescue kennels that suffered from seizures and you took him off pheno and onto another anti-seizure drug and I'm wondering what that one was??? Evie has also been on potassium bromide but there is a link to pancreatitis with that drug and she had two bouts of it, so we weaned her off that one.

Jennifer

Patricia Jones said...

My Chihuahua is 5 years old and has always had high liver levels...120. She is a very picky eater... I just started her on the Denamarin chewable tablets that I got from her Vet. She weighs 9.2 lbs. I try and hide the pill that is cut in half in pill pocket (put out by Greenies) But, it doesn't work...she shakes the pill out...and proceeds to eat the peanut butter flavored pill pocket. The only way I can trick her into eating her pill is to put a little drop of water on the CRUSHED pill that is in the pill pocket and mush it into a ball to keep her from ripping it apart....only then will she take it, on an empty stomach. I have notice a couple time where she vomited up yellowish fluid. Is this a side effect? and is my dog going to benefit from the pill when it is given to her in this manner?

Patti Jones.(Tinker's mom)

Unknown said...

Hi! I was told my 4 YO 5lb pom's liver enzymes were high when he was brought in for blood work for teeth cleaning. He's been on denamarin for 2 weeks and he has been sneezing/coughing a lot. Almost like he has a hair ball he is trying to get up. I'm calling my vet Monday morning but was just wondering if anyone else has seen these side effects.

Thanks -Rachel

Unknown said...

Regarding phenobarbitol Jennifer, and i don't know how long ago you posted this, I see that the article is old, you could go off phenobarbitol completely, stick with Keppra and add either zonisamide, or gabapentin. I have personally had great results with Keppra and gabapentin. My dog, Milo, was on phenobarbitol, but liver issues with another drug caused issues and we needed to take him off phenobarbitol immediately. I'm no vet of course, so always consult with one first.

Anonymous said...

Not that she was having problems with the medication, but she was doing beautifully on the milk thistle plus vitamins. She had come completely out of jaundice, percocet 10 online

Unknown said...

I have a 12 year old Sheltie/Scottish terrier she was fine took to groomers and within 3 hours she was fighting for her life I mixed her food with another food called Nutro and she started vomiting 3 hours later took to vet Liver levels were 2000 it has been 4 days no eating or drinking had fluids Saturday and was put on Denamarin along with Baytril and nausea meds I know its only been 1 day but how long does this take to work I was told I could give the vitamins to so going to get some when should you see improvement she turns her nose up at everything panting and seems uncomfortable they are saying liver disease I just wan tot see her to continue to suffer can you help

LJ said...

Have you heard anything?? My 6 year old pit was fine Saturday morning, Saturday night he vomited and refused dinner. By Sunday he was bright yellow and urinating orange/brown urine. He got him to the ER, blood test was 28.9 TBIL and another of the enzymes was over 2000. Three beers have stated they have never seen such high numbers. Negative for everything, no leptospirosis, no hw, nothing.
Liver x Ray was normal, so was the ultrasound of liver/gallbladder.
He got fluids, nutrients and meds via iv and was released Monday.
Since then, we've been on denamarin, antibiotics and cerenia for nausea.
He's not getting better. He's getting worse.
He won't eat anything. He is showing some neurological symptoms that his liver is poisoning his brain now.
No vet has been able to figure out what's going on.
I just don't know if I'm forcing him to go through misery with no chance of survival, or if the denamarin just takes more time....

DottyB said...

I'm interested in the every other day dosage. I've just started that this week for my 14 year old terrier who also has colitis. So i was concerned about the long term everyday dose when he has the tendancy to runny stools anyway.
I'm hoping every other day is better than not at all an the in between day he'll get a probiotic for his tummy

Kelly said...

Can anyone advise if you've found denamarin to cause gas? My dog has been on it for a few months but within the past week or so, she's started getting a lot of gas. Thank you

Unknown said...

Surprisingly, my eleven-year-old Jack Russell was diagnosed with liver problems and was prescribed Denamarin. He was wildly active before taking the pills. After starting the medication, he got progressively worse every day. After consulting my mother, we decided the medication has done more harm than good. If he is at the end of his life, he would be better off without the pills than to live with symptoms like this. He is lethargic, won't eat, high temperatures and starting to sleep with one leg in a fetal position. I personally feel like I have done permanent damage to my dog and I hope he lives through this. We stopped the medicine and he has gotten better but is still not the same. I hope he lives through this!

Unknown said...

Started my 12 year old lab, Tess, on Denamarin two days ago to treat elevated liver enzymes. Today, she threw up all over the house... at least, 12 times... I will not continue these pills if she had this kind of reaction... The weird thing is that I gave her the pill last night and she began to throw up this morning... I found the undigested shell of the pill in what she vomited this afternoon!

Unknown said...

I also wanted to say that even though I stopped giving him the medicine, by the seventh day all his moles disappeared and he has never completely recovered. His appetite is bad and he's slower. Who knows maybe its not related but I think the pills did permanent damage.

Margot said...

I really apologize to all of my readers. When I finally lost Macy Gray, a year and a half after she was diagnosed, I kind of went into a funk. She was my girl, my angel! I lost track of the blog. I posted randomly, but rarely. It has taken me 7 years to get over the loss of Macy. In the meantime I lost Bailey and my father. But I will try to do better!

Margot said...

I think seven years out, that denamarin is more hurtful than helpful. I have no scientific proof of this but it is like the opioid crisis. Rather than address diet or lifestyle, you get a pill from your vet. I challenge conventional wisdom and the veterinary community! Last year, my 13 year old cattle dog was suffering from frequent UTI infections. My vet suggested a prescription diet that was salt and meds. I put him on raw, unfiltered, cider vinegar and he is doing just great a year later. My point is ask. If the answer doesn't make you comfortable research! I took a dog that had a six week life expectancy and gave her a year. I took a male dog that was looking at a life of prescription food and said hell no. The choice is yours, I can give you advice. But at the end of the day, when the rubber meets the road, it is you!

Unknown said...

I took my dog off Denamarin immediately. As I said before he got very sick on it, his moles disappeared and I thought he was going to die. However, I nursed him back to health, his moles have all returned and he’s happy. Also, I give him Connectin every day mixed in with a treat like chicken or steak meat.

Anonymous said...

Hello,

Recently my dog's 1 liver enzyme climbed from 800 to 1400 in less than 1 year. A few years ago she contracted a tick borne disease, not lyme but it has a long name that I cannot recall at this time. However with the count climbing the vet prescribed Denamarin 2 tabs a day. I started giving it to her on Sat afternoon. Sat evening I noticed something as if it was dirt or dust stuck to her nose. It was a scab. She had scabs on the exterior of her right nostril and what appeared to be a ulcer-looking sore on the inside. It was bothering her and she was doing sort of sniff sounding noise. I gave her benedryl and rubbed some balm for dogs on it. It definitely has gotten better but there is still some scabbing and and irration and this morning it didn't look at good at what I had hoped. She is eating fine. Drinking more, but I know that is a side effect of the drug. But what I am concerned about is the Denamarin causing this unusual side effect. I want the best for my baby and I am not confident that the vet will investigate the symptom thoroughly as a possible reaction to the drug. Any advise or similar experience is welcomed and greatly appreciated

Anonymous said...

Side effect of Denamarin state it is never to be given with Tramadol. It's one of the meds listed never to take together.

Unknown said...

My 14yo chihuahua has an elevated liver enzymes. She has been started on Denamarin for about a week. She has started to cough and spit up/puke water. She has never done this before so not sure if its from the medication. She is on no other meds.

Shan said...

My westie threw up the half digested blue pill Denamarin 4 days after taking it. She threw up every day before that. This was the second attempt after she threw up the entire pill the day after taking it. I told the vet I didn't want to give it to her anymore but they said I should, and to only give it to her in the morning at least an hour before meal. I gave her the pills in the evening on an empty stomach, or so I thought. They said it should be a 12 hour fast. So I guess I'll give it another try but I'm afraid to because my dog gets very traumatic when throwing up, and she acts like she's nauseous all day before she finally vomits, and it's everything she ate all day.

Unknown said...

My 10 year old cocker had high liver enzymes, so my Vet recommended Denamarin I put him on it and he seemed to be doing OK at first. He had his blood test rechecked and his liver enzymes were retested and his liver enzymes indeed did go back to normal. However, unfortunately he started vomiting and having diarrhea after I continued him on the Denamarin. I brought him to his regular Vet and he was diagnosed with pancrititis, was given tramadol for pain and anti nausea medication. So
Vet told me to take him off Denamarin so I did. My dear Charlie dog ended up at the emergency Vet and adding prednisone and a auto-immune drug and vitamin B shots, I was told to restart him on Denamarin to counter react the prednisone and effects on his liver. Charlie did show signs of not only Pancrititis, but inflammation in his intestines, he also became anemic and could not metabolize protein through his intestines to supply what his body needed. So I waited three days before giving him the Denamarin, I was kind of afraid that this was one of the culprits that made him sick to begin with or exacerbate his conditions. So He had been eating great and starting to feel like himself again I thought we had turn the corner on his conditions. I gave him the Denamarin this a.m., on an empty stomach and then he got very sick again refusing food!! So I think he is a very sensitive dog that he can not tolerate this Denamarin supplement. I will however, talk to my Emergency Vet about putting him on milk thistle and vitamins E, C and K instead of the Denamarin.

Unknown said...

Sue glad to hear that my boy chihuahua has high liver enzymes he will be 12 in Jan 2019 and is on Denamarin I’m thinking about asking about his diet too but he only been on it for 3 days when does the meds kick in so you can tell if your baby is feeling better

Unknown said...

Good to know Margot it did mention on the pill
Bottle to take on a empty stomach and I am going to give Cody his at night so it can absorb in his blood

Unknown said...

Patricia my Cody is a 11.5 yr old chihuahua is currently on Denamarin I been giving him the blue pill with peanut butter but I make sure the pill is covered and put in down his throat he has to swallow it !!! Or he will spit it out

Unknown said...

My 10 year old Havanese Pogo was just diagnosed with high liver enzymes when he had blood work done prior to having his teeth cleaned. The vet told me to give the pill on an empty stomach, but ok to give with enough food to get him to take it. I've been using peanut butter, which works well- he gobbles it up. However, he has had very loose stools for the past several days, and it looks like there might possibly be blood in them. He acts normal-no lethargy, eating well, and his usual active self. But I am very worried about the stools. Will be taking a sample of his stool to the vet on Monday (of course, this is Thanksgiving, so no way to get hold of the vet). This is a great site! Thank you all for sharing your experiences and advice.

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Anonymous said...

I have been giving my dog Slinky, a 15yr old dachshund, Denamarine for several months. He is also taking Ursodiol. Since he has been on his medication he gets up most nights every hour at night to urinate and drink a lot of water. I’ve tried to put his water up and take him back to bed but he is insistent about getting up because he wants some. My husband and I are lacking sleep and it is affecting our ability to focus at work much less feeling tired all the time. It is 4:30am and I am up doing research because we need to figure out something. Has anyone had these issues with their dog when taking these medications? We’ve talked to our vet and she now has us giving him gabapentin because she thinks he may be having joint pain. I don’t think this is the issue. Any advise would be appreciated. We can’t go on this way.

Anonymous said...

I just started my dog on Denamarin a week or so ago and have since taken her off of it because of the urination. Granted, she did and still gets me up in the middle of the night for water and potty but since being off of it, she does not pee in the house while I'm at work or while I'm there. When she was on the meds, she would pee while I was work which she didn't do before and she even peed right in front of me after I had taken her out. It was like she had absolutely no control over it. Even though increase urination is not a listed side effect, I believe it was a side effect in my dog and have since stopped using it.

Anonymous said...

Ever since I started my 8 year old husky on denamarin he's been a lethargic mess with severely increased thirst, urination and incontinence. Before the chewables he had been a happy active dog that would need at least a 7 mile run to feel tired. I've taken him completely off of it hoping it didn't cause any permanent damage.

Unknown said...

Hi. Where can I find your post regarding diet and meds for dog with liver disease?

Unknown said...

I put the denamarin in a bit of cheese. It works fine. I make sure she is on an empty stomach beside the little piece of cheese the pill goes in. I use the kraft singles cheese since it molds easily around the pill. But I'm thinking of maybe trying to use another cheese, because I do know maybe the kraft singles is processed and maybe not as healthy. But her liver levels were much better doing this, so it works.

Unknown said...

Our dog has same issues gallbladder burst, removed spleen to and liver damage.. and had same issues diagnosed with cholestasis. She now gets royal canine hepatic canned food and a verylittle dry Iams chicken hard food. She also has Cushingdisease after testing and heart valve issues. On defamation daily and vetmedin liver enzymes a little high but ok. Its been a year and a half. Hungry all the time eats twice daily, drinks slot of water.

Unknown said...

After just 2 doses of the Denamarin and he stopped eating and drinking. He keeps throwing up and he is sluggish. Not giving him another pill.

PeasNHominy said...

I give my dog Denamarin Advanced first thing every morning. It's chewable, so I break it into small pieces and get rid of the dust, because apparently the dust tastes TERRIBLE. Then I take the remaining pieces,coat them with a dab of baby food chicken and put it in her mouth with my fingertip. I've tries so many different ways to give it to her for the last 18 months, and this is the way we are both comfortable with.

Unknown said...

Hello! My Shitzu/Bichon has been on this medication for 5 days and all hell is breaking loose. He has diarrhea/vomiting he can't even keep water down. At first I thought it was the pill pocket I was using to administer the meds. But I stopped using those around day 2 and its gotten worse with the vomiting and diarrhea. Today I won't give the meds, we've gotta find an alternative for the slight liver elevation. This medication is not it for my pup.

Unknown said...

My chihuahua cross dog has been on this for a bit. She has been vomiting them up, and the casing of the pill turns rubbery in her vomit. Has anyone else experienced this?

Jill said...

I have a 12 year old Beagle mix with high liver enzymes. Had the run of testing done and found no cancer, no help, no cirrhosis,spleen aspirate, blood work,ultrasounds, heart tests done too,, literally everything. Last week he had his teeth cleaned because he's had this "smacking" for about a year and it had gotten to the point, it sets me into an anxiety attack. He's been on Denamarin for over a year and his numbers go up and down. We were giving in the morning with cheese to get it down and then his thyroid pill about 30mins later. Then I read to give Denamarin at night on empty tummy. Well, we used cheese again. He doesn't get upset tummy or loose stools, he has thus smacking. And jt was bad. We were told it was a bad tooth. Vet said he didn't have bad teeth, only plaque and some gingivitis. I wanted multiple x-rays, they took 2. We have been to a dental specialty place,our reg vet, another vet, and a VCA for this and all they focus on is liver enzymes. He did great under for his dental but his smacking problem is still there. I cry every day because he's uncomfortable but he's eating fine, we go for walks, he sleeps, and plays with his toy. I tell him to stop in case it's cognitive but last night I had to give him a cerenia because he could not stop. I'm so upset. Does anyone have any suggestions, thoughts, ideas?

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Unknown said...

When I gave my dog it on empty stomach no diarrhea or soft bowel movement when I gave it to soon after food poop got soft so definitely do empty stomach I give it first thing in morning that way there's no food in stomach

Unknown said...

My dog is on denamarin first thing in morning doing great what type of diet is your dog on my dog is on prescription food 12yrs old

Anonymous said...

I had the same thing happen with our dog. The diarrhea was so bad we had to take him to emergency vet to get him an IV fluids. We might try the liquid milk thistle at a half dose to see if that’s better for him.

Anonymous said...

My Baby’s ALT numbers were almost 900 and now they are almost 700. But since she’s been back on the Denamarin she seems lethargic. I don’t know what my options are for her? The ultrasound showed her liver appeared small. I don’t want to put her through a liver biopsy. I don’t know if this medicine is harming or helping her. I do believe my vet has her best interest at heart but what if she is having a bad reaction to the medicine?
She is a havanese. I’m definitely calling in the morning just to see what she says. She definitely has been urinating a lot and has had some accidents which I know is a liver issue. And I have to give her entyce every day to help with her appetite and cerenia for anti-nausea
Anyone else have these numbers this high and these issues? If so what did you do? If so, what happened as a result, thank you♥️

Anonymous said...

My dog has been on Denamarin for 9-10 months now. As of 4 days ago, he starts panting 30-45 minutes after I give him his pill and drinks a lot of water. He also seems more tired. I’m calling the vet today to ask them if it’s okay we take him off of it and see how he does. He gets blood work done again in 2 months so we shall see what his numbers are like.

Anonymous said...

It's is awesome thank you have a numerologist that your organization works with ...I have a year and a half old little Chihuahua and apparently she has liver problems even though the vet who claimed this never did any test to confirm it and even though she has never had any exrays of her spine or hips she has been unable to walk very much and sometimes not at all ..She was referred to a neurologist and as I want so bad to see this baby girl walk I have been unable to get her into the neurologist...After calling continuously to make a appointment and being told to keep calling back until I get lucky to find a open time ..And now just not having the money ...It has been so painful and heartbreaking to see her want to play with the other babies and run but unable to ...I give her SAM-e on the advise of a vet tech that is a friend of mine but the vet never once gave me any idea of how to help her except a prescription for very expensive dog food ...I'm sorry got off on a rant ...Just hard to see this beautiful baby girl be sad as she watches the other babies do their thing and not being able to join or anything ...MY HEART BREAKS FOR HER EVERYDAY