Description
For the use in bitches in the control of urinary incontinence associated with urethral sphincter incompetence.
Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) is the commonest cause of incontinence. Owners should be made aware that USMI requires lifelong medication or surgical intervention (with low sucess rate). If the dog is overweight then a suitable weight loss programme should be introduced.
By far the commonest medical treatment is phenylpropanolamine (Propalin Syrup). Propalin works by increasing tone in the urethral sphincter muscles. The palatable drop formulation make dosing easy for owners and allows the dosage to be easily tailored to the individual animal requirement. The two biggest concerns about long term medical treatment are long term efficacy and side effects. A long term follow up of a group of dogs that commenced phenylpropanolamine therapy in 1997 has recently documented the long term efficacy of the treatment. In a recent double blinded placebo controlled trial, the only side effect observed were mild, infrequent and transient.
Relapses when using phenylpropanolamine are rare but should this occur there are a number of steps that can be taken. As with any long term medication it is worth reviewing the dosage and checking that the dog is receiving the correct dosage at the right time. If the dog has become overweight then it is worth dieting them. Remember that another disease may now be present of have progressed to a point where it can affect the level of incontinence. In some cases, a urinary tract infection may be present and the incontinence may resolve on resolution of the cystitis.
Each ml contains: Phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride 50mg/ml
Actions
Phenylpropanolamine is an adrenergic agonist. Muscles controlling the urethral muscle tone are under adrenergic control. Phenylpropanolamine increases sphincter tone.
Directions
3mg/kg daily in divided doses with food.
Weight | Dose × 2 daily/ml | Dose × 3 daily/ml | Total mg/day |
| 5kg | 0.15ml | 0.10ml | 15mg |
| 10kg | 0.30ml | 0.20ml | 30mg |
| 15kg | 0.45ml | 0.30ml | 45mg |
| 20kg | 0.60ml | 0.40ml | 60mg |
| 25kg | 0.75ml | 0.50ml | 75mg |
| 30kg | 0.90ml | 0.60ml | 90mg |
| 40kg | 1.20ml | 0.80ml | 120mg |
Contra-Indications and Precautions
Do not use if bitch is pregnant
Do not exceed recommended dose
Side Effects
Propalin syrup contains sorbitol which has a laxative properties. This is unlikely at the recommended dose.
Lethargy and inappetance have been reported following overdosing.
Aggressiveness or restlessness have been noted in some dogs during treatment.
Storage
Do not store in a refrigerator. Store away from direct sunlight.
Presentation
100ml bottle with childproof closure. Plastic insert for the accurate withdrawal of the syrup. A calibrated syringe for the dosing of the syrup onto food is included.
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