Colchicine for Dogs

Commonly prescribed for: Familial Shar-Pei fever (FSF)

Species: Dogs

Therapeutic Class: Anti-inflammatory

Colchicine also inhibits a key stage of cellular mitosis (microtubule polymerization), and blocks the hepatic synthesis and secretion of serum amyloid. Colchicine is absorbed via the GI tract and is partially metabolized by the liver. It is excreted primarily in the feces with some additional urinary excretion.

Colchicine is used in the early stages of familial renal amyloidosis in Shar-Pei dogs. This inherited inflammatory disease is also called familial Shar-Pei fever (FSF). FSF was once thought to be an animal model for Familial Mediterranean Fever in humans. Research has shown that this is not the case, although both of these inherited diseases are treated with colchicine.

Clinical signs of FSF include fever, with swelling and joint pain, particularly of the hocks. In order to be effective in preventing renal amyloidosis, colchicine therapy must be instituted before any significant kidney damage occurs. Because there is no diagnostic test for FSF, it is recommended that an affected animal begins treatment at the time of the first episode of fever and joint swelling in order to prevent amyloid deposition and to moderate the course of the disease.

Colchicine is also used to prevent hepatic and renal fibrosis in dogs. When used for this purpose, it is thought to decrease fibroblast proliferation and fibrogenesis. The use of colchicine for hepatic cirrhosis or fibrosis is considered somewhat experimental and not all clinicians agree on its use for this purpose.

• The most-common side effects are gastrointestinal upset including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Rare side-effects include neutropenia and bone marrow suppression.

• Colchicine should not be used in animals with advanced kidney disease, cardiac dysfunction, or gastrointestinal disease.
• Colchicine should be used with caution in older animals and/or debilitated animals.
• Colchicine inhibits mitosis and is considered teratogenic. It should only be used in pregnant animals when the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Colchicine may interfere with spermatogenesis.

• Colchicine should not be used with other medications that may suppress bone marrow such as immunosuppressants, chloramphenicol, and anti-neoplastics.
• Additional possible drug interactions that are cited in the human literature include: macrolide antibiotics, antifungals, cholesterol lowering medications (statins), cyclosporine, digoxin, and diltiazem.

• Colchicine has a narrow therapeutic index and may be toxic with a relatively small overdose. If recognized promptly, gastrointestinal decontamination, and other supportive measures should be instituted promptly. There is no specific antidote for colchicine toxicity.
• Symptoms due to colchicine overdose generally start within 2-5 hours and initially present with gastrointestinal signs (vomiting diarrhea and abdominal pain), fever, and kidney failure. Multi system organ failure may begin within 24-72 hours.

Wedgewood provides medication options that help ensure accurate dosing, especially for hard to medicate pets. Click below for a complete list of Wedgewood’s dosing forms and strengths.

View all Colchicine options