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.
Remember to tell your veterinarian about any medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you are giving to your pet.
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.
DOSAGE FORM | BENEFITS | STRENGTHS |
---|---|---|
Gourmeds | Flavored chewable oral tablets. | 0.54 mg/tab |
Capsule | Oral medication available in gelatin or veggie capsule options. | 0.06 mg/cap to 1.4 mg/cap |
Oral Oil Suspension | Oil based oral suspension with a wide variety of flavoring options. | 0.025 mg/ml to 5 mg/ml |
View all Colchicine options