Ursodiol in Cholestasis and Hepatic Disease

Ursodiol has been found to be useful as adjunct therapy for chronic hepatic disease, particularly where cholestasis is present. Ursodiol has been shown to have immunomodulatory, antiapoptotic, bile producing properties and help dissolve certain bladder stones (Webster, 2009). Ursodiol is advocated in intra- and extrahepatic cholestasis in the absence of complete bile duct obstruction (Malek, 2013).

Ursodiol is generally well tolerated in cats and dogs but has shown to present with diarrhea and other gastrointestinal effects. This can be toxic and contraindicated in hindgut fermenters such as rabbits because of the conversion into lithocholic acid (Plumbs, 2017). It has been shown that antacids containing aluminum and cholestyramine can bind to ursodiol and lower the effectiveness of its intended results. It is recommended to be taken with food because it can dissolve more rapidly in presence of bile.

Ursodiol comes commercially in tablet strengths of 250mg and 500mg as well as a capsule of 300mg. Compounding veterinary medications fills a large void in small pets because splitting these tablets/capsules can become quite cumbersome or impossible. Pharmacy Solutions has the means to compound precise weight based formulations of flavored suspensions and capsules specific to your animals.

Dosing as adjunct treatment of chronic hepatitis:

10-15mg/kg PO once daily

Malek, S., Sinclair, E., Hosgood, G., Moens, N.M.M., Baily, T. & Boston, S.E. (2013), Clinical Findings and Prognostic Factors for Dogs Undergoing Cholecystectomy for Gall Bladder Mucocele. Veterinary Surgery, 42: 418-426. doi:10.1111/j.1532-950X.2012.01072.x

Plumb, D. (2008) Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

Webster, C.R.L. &  Cooper, J. (2009). Therapeutic use of cytoprotective agents in canine and feline hepatobiliary disease. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 39:631–652.